The families of Brian Xaba, Mhlengi Mncube and Sanele Buthelezi walked out of court in dismay this morning (Thursday, October 9) after the case was adjourned for Monday.

The multiple-murder case, which is currently being heard in the Ladysmith Regional Court, had to be adjourned because defence attorney Advocate Sithebe didn’t pitch up. State prosecutor Advocate Mkhize told the court that she had received a call from Sithebe, telling her he would not be coming to court because he fears for his life. “He said that some people were threatening him on Tuesday. He also said that although court finished at about 14:00, he only left after 16:00 as he had to wait for protection,” said Mkhize.

The state then asked the court to adjourn for Monday as per Sithebe’s plea through the prosecutor. Sithebe says he wants to get security and will only be available to attend court next week.

Magistrate Ms Geldenhuys issued a stern warning to the public that no one should interfere with the work of the court. “The state and defence representatives are doing their job to help the court make an informed decision. Should there be reports of further interference, the court will make a decision that the case be held behind closed doors,” said Geldenhuys.

The families of the victims have denied the ‘threats claim’.

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The case resumed on Monday this week (October 6), with the state continuing to call witnesses.

On Tuesday, things heated up when Ayanda Gumede – the nephew of accused number 1, Sihle Guqane Gumede – took the witness stand. The nephew was also arrested and charged for the same matter, but has since turned state witness. After he testified, the defence asked that they be given enough time to peruse his evidence before cross-examining him. The case was supposed to continue today.

Read a more in-depth story about the evidence given by the state witnesses in this week’s Ladysmith Gazette.

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