For Senzo Meyiwa: an ode in times like this
Hail! You men of our common inheritance; of freedom and rights purchased on the platter of blood. The blood of our founding fathers, on whose shoulders lay the foundation of a racially and politically free SA.
Who would have thought that the slain, Senzo Meyiwa, that meteor who was once in our sports galaxy would still be lying in the pool of his own blood?
Cold and face down, Senzo lies. Hot tears of loved and concerned ones splashing on his head, wishing hopelessly that it would warm his cold blood back to life. O, Senzo! Fallen!
Disjointed 96 months that culminated into 8 long years of court silence though men and women of the wig trod the courtrooms now and again – mere legal rituals so far.
Of countless investigations and adjournment arising from spanners thrown in the works of justice.
With the passing of these 2900 days, Justice was mesmerized on the streets. From Durban to Pretoria, Mpumalanga to Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth to Joburg, the story remains the same.
O, Polokwane and Cape Town. You could not come to the table with eyes blindfolded and the sword in your hands to satisfy a craving for justice.
We daily lose our ‘Orangeness’ and his loved ones turn wailers on the suburbs! People are increasingly doubting where and when this will be concluded.
Pray tell! If ordinary carnal men fail Senzo in righting the wrong over his life, where are the mighty men of the House of God, the sons of the Prophets?
Have the lures of Balak set obstacles for the anointed or that the servants of the Most High have chosen to remain blind these eight long years and still counting?
No prophet of God has bothered to seek Him to break the jinx or so it seems over the footballer the people loved?
Where are the servants of the Most High, who can truly declare to the people their sin?
And tell the people: ‘Thus said the Lord’ with a clear finality like Prophet Elijah of old.
Are we to believe that God is no longer in control of the affairs of this life?
Senzo brought joy of the game to millions of fans and thousands of homes within and outside S.A. But why is it now that silence stalks the dead?
He gave the ovation its real meaning. O, Senzo Meyiwa!
But do you truly remember this star, the goaltender of Orlando Pirates and our own dear Bafana-Bafana?
Do you remember that there was a time when Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles ruled over our national team? However despite being the defending champions of the African Cup of Nations, Senzo, captain and keeper got Super Eagles out of the tournament.
This was in 2014. The Stephen Keshi led Super Eagles was pushed to a goalless draw in Cape Town. But Bafana Bafana, in a second leg at Godswill Akpabio Stadium Uyo, south east Nigeria, concluded the mission with another draw in (2-2).
October 26, 2014 became an unforgettable day for the football World in South Africa. Sadness engulfed the nation as gunmen shot Senzo. He died on reaching the hospital.
Former President, Jacob Zuma had the sad experience of being the incumbent helmsman when this outstanding shot stopper fell.
He lamented the painful and untimely exit of Senzo, and as would be expected, President Zuma charged the law enforcement officers to leave no stone unturned in bringing the culprits to justice.
While the matter was still fresh, National Commissioner for Police, General Riah Phiyega promised, like her boss, the President that no stone would be left unturned. She said this kind of death was bad for South Africa’s brand and image.
From investigative police officers, forensic experts to crime specialists, the stones are hardly being turned.
Even President Zuma could not turn enough stones in pursuit of nailing the killers of one of Africa’s best goalkeepers.
Senzo must have been starry eyed in the grave wondering what has been going on.
Somebody help! Senzo Robert Meyiwa wants to be finally put to sleep eight years after being cut down.