Meluleki Manelisi Jiyane, accused of the murder of 29-year-old Mvelo Perseverance Zulu-Ngobese, remains in custody after his latest bail application was refused.
Jiyane appeared in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on August 20 to challenge the previous decision refusing him bail.
His bail application was again refused, and the matter was postponed to September 7, when the case is expected to move to the regional court.
Suspect faces 5 charges
Jiyane faces five charges linked to the incident in Ext 4, Mhluzi, during the early hours of November 1, 2025. The charges include murder, attempted murder and three counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Zulu-Ngobese was fatally stabbed during the incident.
The state alleges that Zulu-Ngobese went outside after hearing cries for help and was stabbed while trying to intervene in an altercation.
Four other people were also allegedly attacked.
Flight risk after KZN manhunt
The state has previously opposed Jiyane’s release on bail, citing concerns that he could be a flight risk and that witnesses could be placed at risk.
Jiyane was arrested in Ulundi, KZN, on June 17, after allegedly fleeing Mpumalanga following the incident.
He remains in custody and will appear in the regional court on September 7.
