Sifiso Vusimuzi Sibanyoni, the estranged husband of the late Dr Nondumiso Nkosi-Sibanyoni of Rob Ferreira Hospital, was denied bail in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court today (Friday, August 1).

Magistrate Patrick Morris postponed the matter to September 5 for further investigation.

Before the judgment was delivered, Sibanyoni’s legal representative, Tshepiso Radebe, informed the court that his client was comfortable with the proceedings continuing in English.

In his ruling, Magistrate Morris began by outlining Sibanyoni’s personal circumstances, as presented during his bail application. Sibanyoni is 39 years old, matriculated in 2005, and holds a nursing certificate from Ekufundeni Nursing College.

“The applicant said he is self-employed in a diesel sales business and generates approximately R80 000 in a good month,” Morris said.

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He added that Sibanyoni was arrested on July 8, following a lengthy investigation into the November 2023 murder of his wife.

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Sifiso Vusimuzi Sibanyoni, the estranged husband of the late Dr Nondumiso Nkosi-Sibanyoni of Rob Ferreira Hospital, was denied bail in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court today (Friday, August 1). Magistrate Patrick Morris postponed the matter to September 5 for further investigation. Before the judgment was delivered, Sibanyoni’s legal representative, Tshepiso Radebe, informed the court that his client was comfortable with the proceedings continuing in English. In his ruling, Magistrate Morris began by outlining Sibanyoni’s personal circumstances, as presented during his bail application. Sibanyoni is 39 years old, matriculated in 2005, and holds a nursing certificate from Ekufundeni Nursing College. “The applicant said he is self-employed in a diesel sales business and generates approximately R80 000 in a good month,” Morris said. He added that Sibanyoni was arrested on July 8, following a lengthy investigation into the November 2023 murder of his wife. According to the judgment, Sibanyoni is a South African citizen with no previous convictions, no pending cases, and has never been released on parole. “He stated that he was at home when the crime was committed and does not know the witnesses,” Morris said. The court also heard evidence submitted in an affidavit by Sibanyoni’s girlfriend, Thuli Zanele Shangase, who claimed that he was with her on the evening of November 19. She said they were informed the following morning at 05:50 that Nondumiso had been shot and killed. Investigating officer Constable Sindisiwe Precious Nyaka, a member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Organised Crime Unit, testified that she was on duty when she received information about a shooting at the Virgin Active Riverside parking lot. “I found a woman lying motionless on the parking lot and saw spent cartridges around her. She had been shot in the left shoulder and face,” Nyaka said. Her investigation revealed that Nondumiso and Sibanyoni were in the process of divorcing, and that she had demanded half of his assets in the divorce settlement. Nyaka also confirmed that the deceased had obtained a protection order against Sibanyoni. One of the conditions was that he should not threaten to kill her. Other conditions prohibited him from assaulting her or calling her a witch. Nyaka told the court that she had been approached by individuals who provided information linking Sibanyoni to the murder. These informants allegedly claimed that Sibanyoni had previously paid more than R70 000 to hitmen to kill his wife, but they disappeared with the money without carrying out the act. “This, according to the witnesses, made him anxious. He then approached new individuals and asked them to kill his wife first, saying he would only pay them afterwards to avoid being scammed again,” Nyaka testified. Magistrate Morris found that releasing Sibanyoni on bail would pose a risk of interference with witnesses and ruled that it was not in the interest of justice to release him. His bail application was accordingly denied. Outside court, there was an emotional reaction from supporters and observers. Dr Nhlahla Thabethe, a close friend of the deceased, said she was overwhelmed with relief following the outcome. “I am so grateful, shaking and trembling out of happiness. I recall all the sleepless nights and all the prayers that have now been answered. I can see that South Africa is taking a huge turn when it comes to gender-based violence and femicide,” she said. Protesters gathered outside the court, chanting and singing in celebration after hearing that Sibanyoni’s bail had been denied.#courtcase #murder #baildenied

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According to the judgment, Sibanyoni is a South African citizen with no previous convictions, no pending cases, and has never been released on parole.

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“He stated that he was at home when the crime was committed and does not know the witnesses,” Morris said.

The court also heard evidence submitted in an affidavit by Sibanyoni’s girlfriend, Thuli Zanele Shangase, who claimed that he was with her on the evening of November 19. She said they were informed the following morning at 05:50 that Nondumiso had been shot and killed.

Investigating officer Constable Sindisiwe Precious Nyaka, a member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Organised Crime Unit, testified that she was on duty when she received information about a shooting at the Virgin Active Riverside parking lot.

“I found a woman lying motionless on the parking lot and saw spent cartridges around her. She had been shot in the left shoulder and face,” Nyaka said.

Her investigation revealed that Nondumiso and Sibanyoni were in the process of divorcing, and that she had demanded half of his assets in the divorce settlement.

Nyaka also confirmed that the deceased had obtained a protection order against Sibanyoni. One of the conditions was that he should not threaten to kill her. Other conditions prohibited him from assaulting her or calling her a witch.

ALSO READ: Husband accused of Mbombela doctor’s murder received R1.5m in insurance payout

Nyaka told the court that she had been approached by individuals who provided information linking Sibanyoni to the murder. These informants allegedly claimed that Sibanyoni had previously paid more than R70 000 to hitmen to kill his wife, but they disappeared with the money without carrying out the act.

“This, according to the witnesses, made him anxious. He then approached new individuals and asked them to kill his wife first, saying he would only pay them afterwards to avoid being scammed again,” Nyaka testified.

Magistrate Morris found that releasing Sibanyoni on bail would pose a risk of interference with witnesses and ruled that it was not in the interest of justice to release him. His bail application was accordingly denied.

Outside court, there was an emotional reaction from supporters and observers.

Dr Nhlahla Thabethe, a close friend of the deceased, said she was overwhelmed with relief following the outcome.

“I am so grateful, shaking and trembling out of happiness. I recall all the sleepless nights and all the prayers that have now been answered. I can see that South Africa is taking a huge turn when it comes to gender-based violence and femicide,” she said.

Protesters gathered outside the court, chanting and singing in celebration after hearing that Sibanyoni’s bail had been denied.