TERRI Carlson, fiancée of Rodney Bradley who was murdered at his home in Kloof earlier this year, took to the stand at the Durban High Court last Tuesday 15 October to face the two remaining suspects on trial for her beloved’s murder.
According to Carlson, she was summoned to court to give crucial evidence against Nhlanhla Hlongwa (24) and Njabulo Majozi (25) who is a relative of Siyane Majozi. Siyane Majozi pleaded guilty to Bradley’s murder in April and was sentenced to 25 years in jail.
Both Hlongwa and Majozi are on trial before Durban High Court Judge Ester Steyn on charges of murder, robbery and attempted robbery relating to the incident in Igwababa Road in April.
Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charges although Hlongwa has admitted to carrying out an unrelated housebreaking at the Hillcrest home of Michael Kirby earlier on the same day, when he was arrested. Police caught him fleeing the scene carrying a bag with stolen items from the house, which included Bradley’s cellphone and laptops.
State advocate, Rea Mina said on his arrest, Hlongwa had dropped a firearm which ballistics linked to the murder. She said Majozi had been arrested a few days later and had made a statement to the police. A neighbour would testify she had seen him fleeing and the State would use Siyane’s statement.
Although emotional at times, Carlson remained adamant in her testimony that the two in the dock were the ones who had shot Bradley as he went to the front door armed with a stick to confront them.
Siyane Majozi, who turned state witness in April took the stand on Wednesday 16 October, and swore to his original statement that Hlongwa and Njabulo Majozi had shot Bradley.
“It’s been a difficult time for me, to relive Rodney’s murder, but I find comfort knowing that justice will be served,” said Carlson.
Nikki Moolman spent some time in court with Carlson last Wednesday morning and is appealing to the community to show their support for Carlson by attending the trial. She said the trial is open to the public at Court B, Durban High Court, 12 Masonic (Dullah Omar) Grove in Durban.
Carlson said the more support shown to the justice department, the better it will be for the community.
“Crime is not just the government’s problem. It’s our homes that are being targeted and the sooner we take a stand against crime, the sooner criminals will take us seriously and realise we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour in our society. These young criminals are a disgrace to their parents, families, communities and South Africa,” said Carlson.
The murder trial began on Tuesday 15 October, and closing arguments were held on Tuesday 22 October.
