The trial of those accused of the murder of Bonisiwe Mabuza took a sombre turn on Friday, May 22, when Deputy Judge President of the Mpumalanga High Court, Takalani Ratshibvumo, directly ordered one of the accused, Marvellous Tshepo Madonsela, to apologise to the grieving family and explain why she was killed.

Instead of providing the closure the Mabuza family has desperately sought since her body was recovered from a shallow grave at Luphisi cemetery on July 1, 2024, Madonsela reverted to blame. Taking the stand, he claimed he was entirely in the dark regarding the alleged fatal actions of his co-accused, Mbuyiseni Isaac Sikiti, telling a stunned courtroom that he does not know why Mabuza was murdered. In his testimony, presented through an interpreter, Madonsela said Sikiti had demanded money from Mabuza, but he didn’t believe she was killed for money.

His apology for watching her demise without assisting filled the gallery with raw emotion and left the Mabuza women silently weeping.

Speaking outside the court, a family spokesperson, Thabiso Sigudla, said they believe the apology was sincere. “We can tell that he regrets being part of the incident. We believe he knows why our sister was killed but is afraid to tell the truth. Like he said, there is no way she was killed for R6 000. That also shows there is something deeper than we know. Since he cannot tell us, we will take what he said,” Sigudla said.

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Mabuza’s uncle, Samson Ndlovu, expressed frustration with the duration of the matter. “It is expensive coming here to attend court without any outcome at the end of each day. We are frustrated and coming here each time opens old wounds. All evidence has been revealed and all statements have been read out in court, we are just waiting for the judge to hand down the sentence,” Ndlovu said.

The trial continued on May 25 and 26. Sikiti’s legal representative failed to appear on May 26, with no explanations offered. Ratshibvumo dismissed the Legal Aid attorney and instructed Sikiti to obtain alternative representation. He postponed the matter to August 24.

Both accused are facing charges of murder, kidnapping, housebreaking, theft and concealment of a body. The high court trial began on May 4, following several appearances in the KaNyamazane Magistrate’s Court since 2024.

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Mabuza was reported missing at KaNyamazane Police Station on June 25, 2024. Her vehicle, a white VW Polo was found abandoned in the bushes in Pienaar the same night she was reported missing. The car’s wheels, a side mirror and backseat were all removed.

Some of Mabuza’s belongings, including a laptop, clothes, curtain, deep freezer and tyres were found in a house belonging to one of the accused, and her grave was subsequently pointed out.