The State has strongly opposed bail for Meluleki Manelisi Jiyane, who stands accused of the murder of 29-year-old Mhluzi resident Mvelo Perseverance Zulu-Ngobese.

Jiyane’s bail application was postponed in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, July 21.

Midnight stabbing spree

Jiyane faces one count of murder, one count of attempted murder, and three counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).

The charges stem from a fatal incident in Extension 4, Mhluzi, during the early hours of November 1, 2025. It is alleged that Zulu-Ngobese went outside his home after hearing cries for help and was stabbed while attempting to intervene in an altercation.

Four other people were also allegedly attacked during the melee, leading to the additional charges of attempted murder and assault GBH.

Man-hunt and arrest in KZN

The investigating officer testified that Jiyane fled Mhluzi shortly after the incident. He was eventually traced and arrested in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal, on June 17 following a joint operation by South African Police Service (SAPS) members from Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.

The court heard that prior to his arrest, Jiyane allegedly returned to Mhluzi on November 7, 2025, and visited the home of a State witness.

The investigating officer cited this alleged visit as a primary reason for opposing bail, stating that the prosecution fears witness intimidation or interference if the accused is released.

Accused pleads for release

In his bid for bail, Jiyane told the court that he has a three-year-old child, owns property in Ulundi, and maintains a fixed residential address. He assured the court that he is not a flight risk and would not abscond if granted bail.

The bail application has been postponed to Thursday, July 23, for further proceedings. Jiyane remains in police custody.