Dumisani Eric Khumalo reappeared in the Vryheid Magistrate’s Court for his formal bail application, but bail was denied.

Khumalo is accused of murdering Thandazile Thwala in the Madresini / Mvunyane area of Mondlo last month. It is alleged that he hit Thwala on the head with a shifting spanner before strangling her with a rope.

Defence presents reasons for bail

During the bail proceedings, Khumalo’s legal representative, Mr Jaca, presented several reasons why his client should be released on bail.

Jaca told the court that Khumalo had no previous convictions and no pending cases against him. He said the only matter involving Khumalo was a protection order opened by a family member in February this year, which was later cancelled.

The court also heard that Khumalo is the sole provider for his sickly mother and minor daughter, and is responsible for looking after his cattle.

State opposes bail

However, state prosecutor Mr Nyandeni opposed the granting of bail.

He told the court that gender-based violence and domestic abuse had become a serious problem in South Africa.

Nyandeni worked with Constable Thabo Kunene, who was initially involved in the investigation.

Kunene took the stand and opposed bail, stating the seriousness of the murder charge and concerns that Khumalo could interfere with witnesses if released.

According to Kunene, the state has three witnesses who could potentially be affected.

Daughter among witnesses

The first is the deceased’s daughter, who allegedly witnessed Khumalo collecting her mother from their home.

The court heard that Khumalo had initially planned to take Thwala on a date at Mondlo Mall.

According to the evidence presented in court, Khumalo allegedly saw WhatsApp messages which indicated that Thwala was having an affair.

It is alleged that he then went in another direction while driving her vehicle and took her to an open field, where he attacked her.

Kunene told the court that Khumalo allegedly put Thwala’s lifeless body in the back of the bakkie, covered the body with tarpaulin and drove back to collect the deceased’s daughter.

The daughter, who was reportedly heavily pregnant at the time, allegedly travelled with Khumalo after he told her that her mother was waiting for them at the mall.

The court heard that they later drove towards Mabona Mountain, where Khumalo allegedly told her that he needed to get petrol for the vehicle.

After waiting for some time, the daughter reportedly discovered her mother’s lifeless body in the back of the bakkie.

Kunene further told the court that the daughter walked for about three kilometres before reaching the main road, where she saw a police van and reported the matter.

Cellphone linked to second witness

The second witness, according to Kunene, is Khumalo’s neighbour.

The court heard that Khumalo allegedly approached the neighbour and offered him the deceased’s cellphone in exchange for R200.

After hearing about Thwala’s death, the neighbour allegedly approached Khumalo’s nephew and handed the cellphone to him.

Kunene identified the nephew as the third witness in the case.

Police raise concerns about witnesses

Kunene told the court that even if Khumalo had an alternative address where he could stay while the case was ongoing, he could still potentially locate the witnesses because they were people known to him and he was familiar with their movements.

The court also heard that the alleged murder took place at around 11:00.

Khumalo was arrested at his home between 21:00 and 22:00.

Kunene said Khumalo was found sleeping on his bed when police arrived to arrest him.

The clothes Khumalo was wearing at the time of his arrest were allegedly found to have blood on them. The clothing was sent to a laboratory for examination.

Khumalo remains in custody

After considering the evidence presented during the bail proceedings, the presiding officer refused to grant Khumalo bail.

The matter will now proceed to Regional Court for further consideration, while Khumalo remains in custody.

The case is expected back in court on 29 September 2026.

CORRECTION: The print edition of the Vryheid Herald stated that Dumisani Eric Khumalo was expected back in court on 18 September. However, the matter is initially scheduled to return to court on 29 September 2026.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.