Husband in the dock for KDM employee's murder
Thobani Nzama (31) and his co-accused, Sipho Mgwaba (26), are charged with premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder and defeating the ends of justice.
The family of Nokulunga Mashabane say they are still in shock, not only over her violent death, but also the recent revelation that she was secretly married to Nzama.
More than 100 KwaDukuza municipal employees, family and residents gathered outside the KwaDukuza Magistrates' Court, calling for justice in the case of Nokulunga.
She worked as the manager of intergovernmental relations and protocol in the office of the mayor.
The mother of three was found dead in her car on the N2-Zinkwazi link road in June with multiple gunshot wounds to the head.
Her brother, Thokozani Mashabane, expressed deep grief and anger after the court appearance.
'We always knew him as Nokulunga's partner, but we were shocked to learn that they had gotten married in January, without any of us, her family, knowing.
'There were no witnesses. He abused Nokulunga, and our suspicions only deepened when he failed to attend her funeral. We hope the court gives him the harshest sentence possible,' said Mashabane.
The Mashabane family was visibly emotional throughout the proceedings. Their sorrow was palpable as they watched the two accused men being led into court.
The accused have been remanded in custody for a bail application next Friday, August 8.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Husband of murdered KDM official alleges police abuse in court
Husband of murdered KDM official alleges police abuse in court Murder-accused husband Thobani Nzama claimed mistreatment in custody as the court adjourned the case of slain KDM official Nokulunga Mashabane. While making his second appearance in the KwaDukuza Magistrate's Court this morning, alongside co-accused Sipho Mgwaba, Nzama alleged he had been denied food, consultation with his lawyer and family visitation. He and Mgwaba have been in police custody since July 30, with both men first appearing on August 1. They face charges of premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder and defeating the ends of justice after being linked to the death of Mashabane, who was found shot and killed in late June. Nzama and Mgwaba will remain at Westville Prison until their next appearance on August 19. During proceedings, Nzama also made a request to avoid being sent to Westville Prison, citing safety fears after allegedly hearing that people are 'waiting for him.' His request was denied, with the court instructing that his concerns be addressed through official channels via his family, attorney and the department of correctional services. A formal bail application is expected when the men return to court. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
3 arrested in Tongaat while refuelling hijacked school taxi with driver inside
3 arrested in Tongaat while refuelling hijacked school taxi with driver inside A dramatic police and private security operation led to the arrest of three men and the recovery of a hijacked school taxi in Upper Tongaat, KZN, this morning. According to The North Coast Courier, the incident began in Blackburn, where a 43-year-old driver on his way to collect schoolchildren had his path blocked by two men on a dirt road. A third man allegedly emerged from nearby sugarcane fields wielding a dagger and forced the driver into the back of the car. The men allegedly assaulted him and tied him up before fleeing in the hijacked VW Crafter. Fortunately, no children had been picked up at the time of the hijacking. At 08:24, Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) received a tip-off from a concerned member of the public and immediately dispatched all available officers. The taxi, fitted with a tracking device, was traced moving through Hambanathi and later spotted heading towards Esenembe on the R614. Rusa officers, joined by Verulam SAPS and multiple private security companies, intercepted the taxi at a petrol station in Upper Tongaat, where the men had stopped to refuel. The suspects were arrested just over 20 minutes after the hijacking took place. Authorities praised the swift co-ordination between law enforcement and private security teams, which ensured the safe recovery of the vehicle and the driver. Rusa spokesperson Prem Balram warned that hijackings are on the rise and that criminals are changing their behaviour. 'We have noticed an increase in victims being taken with the vehicles,' said Balram. 'This is because it delays the victims from calling law enforcement or the tracking companies. They take the victims along before leaving them in an isolated area. By the time law enforcement finds the victims, the suspects are long gone.' Balram added that there has also been an increase in hijackings during poor weather or low-visibility conditions. 'Rain and fog hamper the search helicopters, making it harder to locate the vehicles from above,' he said. Investigations are ongoing. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Thirty-one suspects arrested in Operation Shanela campaign
Co-ordinated police operations on Friday led to the arrest of 31 suspects as officers swept through KwaDukuza. Among those arrested were three people linked to murder cases and five illegal immigrants. Several others were arrested for offences including drug possession, malicious damage to property and drunk and disorderly behaviour. Law enforcement also targeted liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers, charging those who were found to be in violation of their permit conditions. Earlier in the day, a gun, drugs, dangerous weapons, illegal gambling equipment, counterfeit goods and alcohol were seized during a major Operation Shanela roadblock at the Umvoti Toll. The operations were carried out in collaboration with the iLembe District E2 Partners, the Road Traffic Inspectorate, KwaDukuza Traffic Department, Government Communication and Information System and the KwaZulu-Natal Liquor and Gambling Authority. iLembe's acting district commissioner, Major General Nosipho Madondo, praised the co-ordination between agencies and reaffirmed Saps' commitment to combatting crime in the district. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
