Mbabane– A Gege man accused of killing two people during a violent confrontation at Mashobeni last year is set to stand trial in the High Court on two counts of murder and three counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
According to court documents filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Sakhile Msakazo Mdluli has been indicted on five charges arising from an incident that occurred near Mashobeni in the Shiselweni Region on June 1, 2024.
The indictment alleges that Mdluli unlawfully and intentionally killed Thabiso Njabulo Mkhonta during the incident. He is further accused of fatally stabbing Thoba Junior Sithebe, who later succumbed to his injuries on June 20, 2024.
In addition to the murder charges, Mdluli faces three counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Prosecutors allege that he attacked Bandile Mkhonta, Bongiswa Simelane and Siphesihle Welcome Shongwe during the same episode. Court papers state that Simelane and Shongwe were allegedly stabbed with a sharp object.
The DPP has applied for the matter to be heard summarily in the High Court under Section 88(bis)(1) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act. Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Lomvula Hlophe signed the application, while Nqobile Mhlanga has been listed as prosecuting counsel for the Crown.
According to the prosecution’s summary of evidence, the violence allegedly stemmed from a series of altercations that broke out at a local drinking establishment in Mashobeni. Witnesses are expected to testify that several fights erupted inside and outside the premises before the incident turned deadly.
Among those expected to testify are eyewitnesses who were present during the confrontation, the complainants in the assault charges, medical experts and the investigating officer from Gege Police Station.
A pathologist who conducted post-mortem examinations on the deceased persons is also expected to present findings before the court.
Mdluli is expected to answer to all five charges when the matter comes before the High Court. He remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty by the court.
Discussion about this post