It was yet another postponement in the case of murder-accused Sibonelo Senzo Gumede, who appeared in the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court on July 17.

In March 2025, Gumede from Amandawe shot dead the mother of his child, Nokuphila Mbhele from KwaMadlala, then turned the gun on himself, but survived.

At his previous court appearance, the case which is ready for trial, had to be postponed because his lawyer was not present.

According to the magistrate, the case has been ready for trial for several months.

Now, Gumede has hired a new lawyer, with his next court appearance on August 25, as his lawyer needs time for consultation.

The victim’s mother, Sthembile Mbhele said her family is not getting any closure because of the postponements.

Spokesperson for the Ugu Women’s League, Fundiswa Soqasha, said every person’s life is important and no one has the right to take another’s life.

“We are here to insist that the National Prosecuting Authority prioritise gender-based violence cases because in most cases minor children are left destitute. We are also tired of these postponements, it’s not just a calendar day, we need justice because justice delayed is justice denied.”

Soqasha added that it seems priority is not given to victims, but rather to the accused.

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