SERGEANT SL Hlungwane's struggle for freedom has reached a dead end since her official bail application judgment was denied.
Hlungwane was making her 10th appearance before the Pretoria North Magistrates Court on Thursday, 7 March and will remain in custody until her criminal case concludes.
She failed to convince the court that there were exceptional reasons for her to be released on bail.
Hlungwane is accused of murdering her husband, Russell Hlongwane (40), after an alleged fight in Soshanguve extension 7, Tshwane, on Sunday, 31 January.
Hlungwane later died at an unidentified hospital in Tshwane, and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) arrested her on the same day.
According to Ipid spokeswoman Lizzy Shuping, the gun was discharged four times during the fight, fatally striking the spouse, who died from gunshot wounds. Hlungwane filed her bail application on Monday, 6 February, stating that she didn't want to remain in detention until the conclusion of her case without offering a reason.
The case dragged on for three months because the magistrate needed to verify witness testimonies and determine where Hlungwane's children would be housed while she was in custody.
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The sister of the dead man, Tlangelani Tsonga, said the legal proceedings had been incredibly tiring and that the lengthy bail hearing procedure had caused the family more stress and panic, but she was relieved that the judgement had been ruled on.
"I was terrified that Hlungwane would be released on bail. I can't say I'm relieved, but this is a good start," she said.
Tlangelani foresees a more complicated case that will take years to conclude.
"All I want is justice for my brother, but the case appears far from over," she said.
Hlungwane's case has been remanded to Monday, 29 April, for further investigations.
