Man charged with murder of a 24-year-old man
Family is devastated after man is found dead with multiple stab wounds.
SKHILA – A middle-aged man appeared in the Lydenburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on charges of murder.
Prince Marobane was charged with the murder of Siyabonga Mthombeni (24), a man from Hazyview who stayed in Skhila.
Marobane allegedly stabbed Mthombeni five times with a knife on Sunday after an altercation between them over R200 he owed Mthombeni.
According to Lydenburg SAPS spokesman, Capt Alfred Moela, the police received a call reporting murder in the Shushumela settlement in Skhila. Police found Mthombeni on the ground with stab wounds in his back, neck, and chest.
“Paramedics were called to the scene and upon their arrival, Mthombeni was declared dead. He was taken to Lydenburg Hospital’s state mortuary by the Mpumalanga Forensic Pathology Services,” Moela said.
The deceased’s sister, Nosizi Mthombeni, burst into tears after the court hearing. Speaking to Steelburger/Lydenburg News she said, “I am very saddened, heartbroken and speechless, because he was my only brother and we relied on him. We want justice for my brother’s death, and the accused must never be granted bail.”
Mthombeni was described by people who knew him as a good young man who loved and respected everyone, old and young. His passing saddened the whole Skhila community.
The SAPS issued a stern warning to locals and condemned their demands for the accused to be released so that he can be killed. Moela said residents used stones to barricade the road to prevent the police from entering the area where the accused was apprehended.
Officials also condemned the the community’s hint towards mob justice, and warned them to let police to do their work in all circumstances.
The accused’s shack was also burned later on Sunday evening. Marobane’s court hearing was postponed to July 10 for a formal bail application.
The deceased will be laid to rest in Hazyview on Saturday, July 7.
