THE family of JMPD officer Sibusiso Zikalala, who was murdered in Braamfontein outside a nightclub, says that the arrest of their son's killer has opened wounds.
Police Officer Bongimpilo Nzuzo Bhengu (27) was arrested and appeared in the Joburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 1 November, facing charges of murder and assault.
Bhengu is accused of killing a Joburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer, Sibusiso Zikalala, on 26 June 2023 in Braamfontein.
Family spokesman Jeff Zikalala told Daily Sun that the arrest has led to the opening of old wounds.
"Over the weekend, we had the cleansing ceremony for Sibusiso, and the mood was sombre for the duration of the ceremony. The pain is still unbearable, cutting across the whole family," Jeff said.
He said that the cop's arrest is an indication that law enforcement is working and a justification that what happened on that fateful morning needs to be prosecuted.
"There is no joy in the family as to the arrest, only the opening of old wounds. It's only a few months old and still early days for everyone to forget. The pain has a rippling effect throughout the whole family. I speak for the family that our hearts are still bleeding as if this happened just yesterday," Jeff added.
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He further added that Sibusiso was the unifier of the family, and the void he left left an indelible mark in their hearts. They will only let the wheels of justice take their course because they believe in the justice system.
"With regard to the appearance of the suspect and us being Christians, we expect no preferential treatment for the accused, meaning that he should be treated like all criminals. He was never remorseful. Although our hearts still bleed, we leave everything to the justice system and the man up there," added Jeff.
NPA spokeswoman Phindi Mjonondwane said the case had been postponed to Thursday, 25 January 2023, and the accused was released on R5000 bail.
"In a video that circulated on social media, the deceased (Zikalala) can be seen pacing up and down, holding a firearm in his hand whilst being in an altercation with Bhengu, who is seated behind the driver's seat. Zikalala was later seen trying to pull the accused out of the driver's seat, and the accused fired several shots that allegedly killed the deceased," Mjonondwane added.
