THE year 2023 has been a rollercoaster ride.
Daily Sun unpacks the top courtroom stories that shook Mzansi.
With Senzo Meyiwa's case meeting yet another lengthy dead end, Mzansi's very own Bonny and Clyde, Facebook rapist and murderer Thabo Bester and his girlfriend Dr Nandipha Magudumana, also took centre stage.
The year 2023 has been a rollercoaster ride. Daily Sun unpacks the top courtroom stories that shook Mzansi.
The infamous Thabo Bester and Nandipha Magudumana
South Africans felt like they were in a gangster love film when Thabo Bester and Nandipha hit our TV screens. Bester had escaped from the Mangaung Correctional Centre in May 2022, where the body of Katleho Mothusi Bereng was used as a decoy for his escape. His girlfriend Dr Magudumana was arrested and charged for helping Bester escape.
This case had the nation glued to the screens to understand how the two plotted, how they both lived a lavish life until a picture surfaced on social media of them being photographed in a shopping centre living a normal life.
Until their highly anticipated arrest in Tanzania, denial and coercion was Magudumana’s excuse in court, while Bester kept things cool, making one wonder if he was shaken by his "cruel" deed.
Senzo Meyiwa a case stuck in a loop!
Nine years have passed since Orlando Pirates goalkeeper and captain Senzo Meyiwa was killed in a home invasion on 26 October 2014, but justice has not prevailed. One wonders if his spirit is resting in peace as his case drags on in the North Gauteng High Court.
To date, the nation has heard how Meyiwe was standing with his back to the kitchen door when he was shot. This was said by the 13th witness, forensic officer Thabo Mosia. At the same time, analyst investigator Colonel Lambertus Steyn revealed in the North Gauteng High Court that Kelly was in contact with the fifth accused, Sfiso Ntuli, who is linked to three of the other four accused.
The case was met with a break until 2024. One can only hope for an end to come soon.
Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife remain the centre of attention!
THE South African witness in the extradition case of self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary has caused the hearing to be postponed again.
The Bushiris are wanted in South Africa after evading bail and fleeing to their home country in 2020. They are facing charges of fraud and money laundering, while the prophet faces an additional eight charges of rape.
Kasi’s very own Thabo Bester and Rosemary 2.0
Mzansi got to witness their very own kasi Bester and Rosemary 2.0 when they appeared in the Soshanguve Magistrates Court.
Lerato 'Rosemary 2.0' Mahlangu (32) and her husband Sibusiso Mahlangu, known as kasi's Thabo Bester, allegedly killed a man at their home in Block HH, Soshanguve, and burnt his body.
This story sent Soshanguve into a state of shock, and many followed the case. As if that was not enough, Mzansi was faced with another dramatic twist when they learnt about Rosemary Ndlovu 2.0 from the North West.
A multi-millionaire alleged insurance fraudster and widow Agnes Segomotsi Setshwantsho had 58 insurance policies under her name. She was linked to a series of murders of her husband who died in 2016, her son who died in July 2023, two daughters who died in 2015 and 2005 and her relative who died in 2023 for financial gain through insurance claims.
She was traced and arrested in Centurion, Gauteng, on Thursday morning, 16 November 2023. This after being tracked down by Sergeant Keshi Mabunda.
Celebrities stole the show in court!
Jub Jub found himself tangled in a case of rape and attempted murder, while the Joburg-based footballer, Thembinkosi Lorch, was handed a suspended sentence and a R100 000 fine for assault by the Randburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 21 November 2023. This after Lorch was found guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
Not forgetting Xolani Khumalo, known for his raids in drug areas on Moja Love's popular TV show Sizokuthola as a presenter, he was charged with the murder of suspected drug dealer Robert Varrie, who died during the recording of the Sizokuthola show in July. Further charges have not been ruled out as the case is currently being heard in court.
Instigators of the July Unrest face the music
The world has not forgotten the 2021 unrest, also known as the July 2021 riots. They took place from 9 to 18 July 2021 in KZN and Gauteng after being sparked by the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma for contempt of court.
And several instigators had their day in court. Former Ukhozi FM presenter Ngizwe Mchunu was acquitted of all charges in his case of inciting the July Unrest, while Mbuyiseni Zuma, the alleged mastermind behind the looting and public violence that took place in some parts of the country, particularly in KZN, in July 2021, was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
He joins Mbuso Moloi (33) better known as 'Woollies looter' and was sentenced to 18 months of correctional supervision under house arrest.
Diepsloot leaders arrested
Crime, lack of police visibility and killings have driven the residents of Diepsloot onto the streets several times this year.
However, this did not end well when three Diepsloot leaders, Loyiso Toyiya, Lefa Nkala and Jack Hlongwane, were arrested following a series of protests in the area and were back in court on Friday, 29 September.
They face charges of damaging essential infrastructure, malicious damage to property, public violence and assault. While this arrest had brought calm to the area, it was not long before residents became restless at the empty promises made by the authorities to deploy police in the area. Crime in the neighbourhood continued to rise, forcing residents onto the streets once again. This time with the help of mob attack.
But that did not end well when five suspects accused of murdering seven people were arrested. The matter is currently being heard in the Randburg Magistrates Court.
