Murder accused abandons bail application
Nozipho Mbhele was stabbed in the neck allegedly by the father of her child.
The man accused of murdering 24-year-old Nozipho Evidence Mbhele (24) of Mtwalume abandoned his bail application at the Umzumbe Magistrate’s Court last Wednesday.
Siyanda Zakwe (28), who appeared in court for the second time, is facing murder charges and will remain in custody until his next court appearance on July 16.
It is alleged that on May 10, Mbhele was stabbed in the neck allegedly by Zakwe, who is the father of her child.
She died at a nearby community health centre.
Protesting outside the Umzumbe Magistrate’s Court, Nompumelelo Luthuli of Women of Umzumbe, said they are against the accused seeking bail.
“We are in court because we oppose the possible bail application of Siyanda Zakwe. The ongoing killing of women in the area does not sit well with us. We march and protest, but it does not seem like men are hearing our pleas,” she said.
Luthuli said they hoped that the court sets an example with this case.
She said: “Sometimes people get convicted for such crimes and they do not have a problem with going to jail because they know that they will be released later.”
Luthuli said the Women of Umzumbe urged men to let them know what they have done wrong because the killings cannot go on.
Meanwhile, the deceased’s father, Cyril Mbhele, said he wished that the court would give Zakwe the sentencing he deserves.
He said that the family is heartbroken over the death of their daughter.
“We are happy that he abandoned his bail application, saying he does not need it. May he fear for his life should he be released. We are currently happy with the investigation, and we are keen to see where it will lead,” he said.
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