23-04-2025
Neighbours testify about witnessing robbery in murder trial of Umlazi teen
Two Umlazi youngsters testified in the Durban high court on Tuesday about witnessing a burglary at the home of teenager Aphiwe Ngcobo, who was killed on the eve of the general elections last year.
Sizwe Mthembu and Mondli Mhlongo, who live near the Ngcobo family, gave evidence in the trial of Sifundo Bongani Bhengu, 39, and Bongani Jali, 24, who are charged with housebreaking with intent to steal, robbery with aggravating circumstances and the murder of the teen. They have pleaded not guilty.
Ngcobo, 17, a grade 11 pupil at Durban Girls' Secondary in Greyville, was found bound and gagged with a wound in her chest.
Mthembu said he knew Ngcobo's father Mondli as an elderly man who he described as being a father figure for him. He said his home is built on a slope next to the Ngcobo family.
He said shortly before 10am on the eve of elections, he and his friends were sitting outside when a white VW Polo reversed near the entrance to the Ngcobo's home. A tall man clad in a hoodie and a mask got out of the car. The man had a revolver, wore gloves and had a key for the gate.
Mhlongo said the person who entered the Ngcobo home came out with a TV. He said it was the first time he saw the VW Polo.
