Case of man who allegedly killed and buried wife under bathtub postponed

Police were alerted by a family member who was suspicious about the bathtub which was no longer mounted on the surface.


Yibanathi MacGyver Ndema, the man who allegedly killed and buried his wife under a bathtub two years ago made, a brief appearance at the Butterworth Magistrate’s Court for charges of premeditated murder and defeating the ends of justice on Wednesday.

Prosecutor Masixole Mamve applied for the matter to be postponed for a formal bail application on 10 September as investigations continue.

Luxolo Tyali, NPA’s Regional Spokesperson, said that the state will be opposing bail.

Ndema reported his wife Noluvuyo Nonkwelo missing in 2019.

It is alleged that he killed her at their home in the Zingqayi area in the district of Butterworth on 01 July 2019 and opened a missing person’s case days later despite his knowledge of her whereabouts.

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He was arrested on Monday after human remains, believed to be that of Nonkwelo, were found buried underneath a bathtub, in the bathroom of the house the couple shared.

Police spokesperson Captain Siphokazi Mawisa said the police were alerted by a family member who was suspicious about the bathtub which was no longer mounted on the surface.

“On investigation, police proceeded to their home and found the remains under the bathtub,” she said.

“During today’s court appearance, Ndema elected to be represented by the Legal Aid South Africa attorney and indicated that he wishes to be released on bail,” reads NPA’s statement.

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