Murder-accused husband back in Nelspruit court for bail hearing
Sibanyoni stands accused of premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder after his estranged wife was fatally shot in the parking lot of Virgin Active Gym Riverside at around 05:20 on November 20 last year.
ALSO READ: Doctor fatally shot in Mbombela
Protesters gathered outside the court, chanting 'No bail!' while the State and the defence cross-examined investigative officer Constable Sindisiwe Precious Nyaka of the SAPS Organised Crime Unit.
The State asked Nyaka to confirm the two insurance payouts Sibanyoni received after his estranged wife's death. Nyaka confirmed that the first payment, R200 354, was received on February 4, 2024.
A second amount of R1.5m was paid into his account on March 20, 2025.
The court was also concerned about their children and where they are currently residing. Nyaka stated that the youngest is living with Nondumiso's parents, while the eldest remains with the accused.
ALSO READ: Husband accused of Mbombela doctor's murder received R1.5m in insurance payout
The State further questioned why Nyaka had not inquired about Sibanyoni's passport or whether he posed a flight risk.
'I did not inquire about his passport since he is a South African citizen,' she responded.
The State also informed Nyaka that the accused had two protection orders against him – from his wife and his father-in-law. Nyaka admitted she was unaware of these and had only learnt of them in court.
When the tables turned, Sibanyoni's lawyer challenged the charge of conspiracy to commit murder.
'There is no regional or high court that will accept this charge if the police cannot connect the accused with the killer,' Sibanyoni's lawyer disputed.
He also questioned why no other arrests had been made, given that three State witnesses had allegedly taken part in the crime. Nyaka said she could not yet identify the witnesses or disclose the evidence.
Sibanyoni's lawyer repeatedly pressed Nyaka to provide proof of the evidence, but she was unable to present or disclose anything to the court.
The defence also asked when and why she had signed the insurance documents. Nyaka explained that she met with Sibanyoni and his lawyer on the day of the post-mortem and signed off on the papers, as she had no reason to suspect him at the time.
ALSO READ: Mbombela hit-and-run: Court hears horrifying testimony from trauma doctor
The defence returned to the State witness statements, which claim that the accused plans to interfere with the investigation if granted bail.
Nyaka told the court she had a letter containing those statements and phone records of outgoing calls between the accused and the witnesses. However, when asked to produce audio evidence of the calls, she said she had none.
Sibanyoni's bail hearing continues in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court tomorrow, July 24.
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Mail & Guardian
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- Mail & Guardian
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