The trial of murder accused Elhadji Adama Kebe (31) has been postponed to July 6 at the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg on Friday.
After several appearances in Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court, the matter was transferred to the High Court on November 12, following the decision by the director of public prosecutions.
As a result, Kebe was transferred from Kempton Park SAPS holding cells to Sun City Prison in Johannesburg, awaiting trial.
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Kebe, who allegedly beheaded his girlfriend in their flat in April last year, and left her head in the fridge, was arrested at his place of work on West Street shortly after the body of Sibongile Zenzile (28) was discovered on April 26.
Kebe is facing two charges, one for murder and another for the violation of a corpse. The trial started last week Wednesday when Kebe pleaded guilty to both charges.
The accused’s statement was read in court by his defence counsel where, among other things, Kebe confessed to killing Zenzile.
Although Kebe pleaded guilty, the judge was not happy about the plea on the murder charge as there was an issue of no intention of murder.
The judge decided the guilty plea for murder would not be admissible in court and instead the court would accept a not guilty plea for premeditated murder.
Following this decision, Kholeka Ndungane, who is a witness, was called to the stand where she gave her statement.
Following her statement, Ndungane was cross-questioned by the state and defence counsel.
Another decision was made in court for another witness, who was referenced by Kebe in his statement, to be called to court to give his statement. The witness was not in court and the matter was postponed to Friday where it was further postponed to July 6.
Sibongile’s mother, Buyiswa, and stepfather, Zamelani Ncancashe, were also in court and told Express it was emotional for them to listen to how their daughter was murdered.
The parents were seen squeezing each other’s hands as Buyiswa tried to hold back her tears throughout the court proceedings.
“Hearing both statements was a painful reminder of how our daughter was murdered,” said Zamelani.
“We are trying day by day to heal but it still hurts. Our daughter is gone and will not come back, all we want is justice so we can find closure.”
Buyiswa tried to be strong and battled tears throughout the court proceedings.
“I miss my angel, she was my only child and she is gone. We will forever miss her,” said Buyiswa.
