ALLEGED FEMICIDE PERPETRATORS DENIED BAIL
The NPA has successfully opposed the bail application of two men, Linki Kholisa (35) and Lucky “Sigebenga” Fihlani (44), who are charged with the murder of a 50-year-old woman in Mount Fletcher Magistrates’ Court. The magistrate agreed with prosecutor Funeka Ndleleni, that the accused failed to prove exceptional circumstances for their release on bail in a serious case of gender-based violence and that they are a flight risk and will interfere with witnesses.
On or before 11 June 2023, the two men were in one of the state’s witness homesteads, when accused Kholisa allegedly recruited others to go and kill the deceased, a tavern owner, whom he resented. He borrowed a knife from one of them but was never given it. Fihlani agreed to go and fulfill the mission. At about 3h00am, they allegedly armed themselves with knives, went to the deceased’s house, and kicked the door to gain entrance.
The deceased was sleeping in one room with her 15-year-old daughter who is physically challenged. They assaulted the deceased, and when she tried to flee and get out of the house through the window, they overpowered her pulled her back, and stabbed her to death. They took liquor out of the fridge and tried putting a lifeless body inside the fridge, but it could not fit. The daughter witnessed the incident but could not help due to her condition.
The accused took the liquor, went back where they planned the murder, and told the witnesses, whom they had left that they killed the woman, and offered them the liquor they stole from the deceased’s house. The witnesses alerted other community members who apprehended the accused and handed them over to the police.
The case has been postponed to 26 July 2023, for further investigations.
