Husband accused of Mbombela doctor's murder back in court for bail hearing
Mpumalanga News reports that 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.
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 living. Nyaka stated that the youngest is living with Nondumiso's parents, while the eldest remains with the accused.
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.
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 today.
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 www.citizen.co.za
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Check your traffic fines: The rise of cloned number plates in South Africa
New number plates have QR (quick response) codes are expected later this year and will have a number of security features. Image: File South African motorists are being urged to verify that any traffic fines attributed to them are accurate, as the alarming issue of cloned number plates continues to escalate. Rob Hutchinson, founder of Dear South Africa, highlights the severity of this problem, noting that it has prompted the Gauteng provincial government to initiate a pilot programme for a new licence plate system earlier this year. This pilot will last for six months before being implemented across the province and eventually throughout the country. The provincial government has indicated that the new plates make use of technological advancements that are aimed at tracking criminal activities, such as vehicle theft, fraud and cloning. Hutchinson said countrywide statistics show that one in five number plates are cloned and that judging from the feedback he receives from hundreds of subscribers on the issue of incorrect fines is significantly greater than he thought. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Law For All managing director Jackie Nagtegaal said the onus is on the individual as the legitimate owner to prove their innocence and that motorists can 'commit traffic crimes' without their knowledge. Hutchinson added that in most cases, motorists may not even realise that they have a fine, and it is vital to check for fines listed in one's name. "An overdue fine, whether yours or not, could result in a warrant for your arrest. Being handed a warrant at a roadblock would be an unfortunate and abrupt end to your journey," he warned. He said that checking for fines is by no means an acknowledgement of a fine.
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
New police minister warns against 'shoot to kill' tactics
Newly appointed Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia, has warned against the abuse of police power and the use of deadly force, stating it could lead to tragic incidents like the Marikana massacre or the killing of Andries Tatane during a service delivery protest. Speaking shortly after his swearing-in at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Friday, Cachalia rejected any 'shoot to kill' approach within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Cachalia, a constitutional law expert and former chair of the National Anti-Corruption Council, said he intends to serve with integrity and independence. 'I'm not driven by ambition or political ambition. I've been given a task, and I'm going to tackle that task without fear or favour, subject, of course, to the President's guidance as a member of Cabinet.' Cachalia faced political pressure and ongoing allegations of corruption within the SAPS but maintained a calm, resolute stance, saying external noise would not distract him. 'I understand the moment the country is in and the awesome weight of the responsibility I carry, along with others in government,' he added. Cachalia said a key part of his agenda would be addressing police conduct and reforming accountability systems. He intends to meet National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola on Thursday to discuss operational matters and existing task teams. 'It wouldn't be appropriate to speak before that discussion,' he said. As the outgoing chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Council, whose term ends this month, Cachalia pledged to advance the council's recommendations in his new role. 'I'm now in a better position than I was as chairperson to take those recommendations forward, and I certainly will,' he said. He plans to bring the council and SAPS leadership together to align on reforms, particularly focusing on whistleblower protection and internal accountability mechanisms. Cachalia also plans to work closely with Justice Minister Ronald Lamola, stating that the fight against corruption must be a joint effort. 'The recommendations impact both of our portfolios,' he said. Cachalia addressed speculation about his status and confirmed, 'Today I was appointed minister, not acting.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
Gareth Cliff speaks out on 'murdered' black farmer
Gareth Cliff has spoken out about Tshwane farmer Jerry Boshoga, who was kidnapped last year. This week, reports emerged that the businessman had been murdered, claims police have labelled 'misinformation'. Cliff's comments come weeks after he spoke to Piers Morgan on a panel discussion about allegations of 'white genocide' and concerns of farm murders in South Africa. He also addressed legislation he believes 'discriminates' against white South Africans. In an X post, Gareth Cliff reacted to a post about Tshwane farmer Jerry Boshoga. In allegations that authorities have since disputed, X user @Lebona_cabonena posted: 'Jerry Boshoga, a prominent farmer and businessman who went missing in November, has been found dead'. Cliff retweeted the post, adding: 'Tragic. Our government needs to take farm murders seriously.' Unbeknownst to Gareth Cliff, the South African police have cautioned South Africans about reposting 'fake news' about the farmer. It shared in a statement this week: 'Unverified social media accounts have shared misleading and false information claiming that Mr Boshoga has been found deceased. 'The SAPS can confirm that the investigation into his kidnapping is still at a very sensitive stage, and the businessman has not been found alive nor deceased. We therefore call on all social media users to STOP THE SPREAD OF UNVERIFIED INFORMATION'. According to the SABC, Tshwane farmer Jerry Boshoga was reportedly kidnapped on 18 November last year. After his disappearance, videos of the 46-year-old being gagged and tortured went viral. His alleged kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of R25 million, but reduced it to R10 million. In one distressing clip, Boshoga pleaded with his mother, 'Please pay, pay now so they can release me. It is too bad. I really need you, please, mother. Please come and pay. Please pay everything that they want. I am begging you …' Police have confirmed that the investigation into Boshoga's disappearance is active and 'sensitive'. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
