The matter was postponed to December for “docket content”.

It is alleged the four men stabbed Mxolisi Shabalala with a knife at the Iraq Taxi Rank in 2018.

According to the police report, Mxolisi was transported to the Middelburg Provincial Hospital by his friend, but died on arrival.
The deceased had two stab wounds.

Sibusiso Thabethe and Nkosingiphile Khoza are facing charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Mojafela Dlamini is the only one facing a murder charge among the four men.

Bhekinkosi Simeon Thabethe is facing charges of defeating the ends of justice.

The Middelburg Observer spoke to Mxolisi’s mother on Monday, who is struggling to cope with the death of her son, “Every time I see school children dressed in Tshwenyane Combined School uniform my heart aches. I am struggling to find peace. His siblings also miss him dearly,” said Ms Mabowa.

At the time of his death, Mxolisi was in Grade 11 at Tshwenyane Combined School in Mhluzi.

According to Ms Mabowa, her son was at the Iraq Taxi Rank when men asked if he saw a man running.

Ms Mabowa said the men assaulted her son before stabbing him.
Mxolisi’s cellphone and clothing were stolen.

After the brief court appearance on Monday, Ms Mabowa spoke to Sibusiso Thabethe for the first time since her son’s passing.
Mr Thabethe apologised to Mxolisi’s mother, who said she just wants justice for her son.

Sibusiso Thabethe is a self-proclaimed sangoma who fooled police in 2014 into believing he had drowned.
Police launched a massive search and rescue operation.

He was arrested for attempted murder, kidnapping and the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition but was only charged for having an unlicensed firearm.