Stella Sibanyoni (40), accused of murdering her husband, William Malapane (44), was denied bail when she appeared in the Mdutjana Magistrate’s Court in Siyabuswa on October 14.

Sibanyoni was arrested on October 4 after police found Malapane with stab wounds to his upper body when they responded to a complaint at the couple’s home in Siyabuswa. He was declared dead on the scene at about 02:00.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, it is alleged that the couple had an argument before Sibanyoni stabbed Malapane with a sharp object.

Sibanyoni made her first court appearance on October 6. Her case was postponed for further investigations, and she is expected to return to court on October 21.

Family mourns sudden loss

Malapane’s death has left his family devastated. He was the youngest child in his family and, as the last-born son, was regarded as the family’s heir.

The family said Malapane had recently secured employment at a mine in Middelburg, making his sudden death even more difficult to accept.

According to relatives, Malapane and Sibanyoni had been married under customary law for more than three years.

Malapane was laid to rest in Siyabuswa on October 11 in an emotional funeral attended by mourners who came to pay their final respects.

Police urge couples to seek help

Mpumalanga provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise urged partners to seek professional help whenever they encounter difficulties before matters escalate to undesirable levels.

Attempts to reach Sibanyoni’s legal representative were unsuccessful.