A PROPHET (30) accused of killing his wife Confidence Mthisi (28) shockingly made a U-Turn in the court on Thursday, 20 October.
During his previous appearance, he told the court that he would conduct his own defence.
“I did get my attorney to represent me. But I can’t see him in the court,” he said.
His relative denied knowledge of any lawyer, but another relative confirmed that the lawyer apparently had other commitments.
The accused’s utterances came after Magistrate Vicey Marule reminded him that he was still intending to conduct his own defence.
He was not asked to plead to the charges against him.
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Public prosecutor Moses Sibanda told court that there were protesters outside court opposing his bail.
He said the offence the accused was facing is very serious and falling under schedule six.
Police bust him a week ago hiding in Lillydale Village outside Mkhuhlu near Hazyview Mpumalanga about 35km away after worried residents alerted police when spotted him wearing clothes covered with fresh blood.
Confidence’s saddened brother, Dumisani Mthisi (42), said: “We are still shocked of what he did to our sister. How can a man of the cloth do such to the mother of his three kids. I hope this court will handle this matter accordingly without any favour or fear. Our sister was a really hard worker and hustling in life from selling small items. So he might have took advantage of her. We buried her on Saturday, 15 October.”
Her uncle, Simon Mthisi, said: “This is the ninth case of women brutally killed by their heartless men in Buffelshoek. He killed her after she had just withdrawn Sassa grant cash for her three kids and her brother’s four kids back home in Rooiboklaagte. He even took her phone and wallet with the cash inside. We still asking ourselves why he behaved like an animal on our child and flee from the scene. So we really like to appreciate the Lillydale villagers who blew up the whistle when they spotted the unsuspecting pastor stalking their village wearing clothes fully covered with fresh blood. “
ANC branch Deputy Secretary Jutricia Mokoena said: “We are really disturbed by the brutal and senseless killing of the defenceless women and children. So we are behind the affected family. We hope they find closure after the suspect is brought to book and face the mighty hand of law.”
Community leader Elvis Makhubele said: “He has blood in his hands. That’s why he intended getting a lawyer. He must not be granted bail! Our community will not give up until the matter is finalized.”
Colonel Donald Mdhluli confirmed that 30-year-old man was arrested in connection with his 28-year-old wife’s murder.
He said the woman was brutally murdered in the early hours of Tuesday, 11 October at about 5am in Buffelshoek near Acornhoek in what appears to be a Domestic Violence incident.
“Police and Emergency Medical Services were summoned to a scene whereby the lifeless body of the woman was discovered lying in the pool of blood with a stab wound.
Upon arrival the woman was unfortunately certified dead. Police opened a murder case and immediately began with their investigation. After gathering some information, the man was arrested in Calcutta area around 3pm and he faces charges of murder.
The matter has been postponed until 27 October for legal representative arrangements and formal bail application.
