Siphosovuyo Yabo, 21, appeared in the same court on Wednesday (13/8). He’s expected to reapply for bail and will be represented by an attorney from Legal Aid because of a dispute with his legal team, said the digital marketer of the Second Chance Group Azonwabe Xhashimba.

Yabo has been remanded in custody until his next court date. He was arrested following the murder of Alulutho Buba, 19, a first-year Central University of Technology student.

Buba was found with stab wounds to her neck and abdomen on Thursday, 5 June, in a veld between Bongweni and Khayelitsha in Kuyasa, Colesberg. She was studying for a Bachelor of Education degree in Economic Management Science.

“The (alleged) perpetrator disputed the next court date because he says he can’t remain confined for that long for a crime he didn’t commit,” said  Xhashimba.

“This resulted in his attorney withdrawing from the case; he will now reapply for bail using an attorney from Legal Aid. We are the NPO that has been offering psychosocial support to Alulutho Buba’s family, and we also organised two marches…”

Police received a report of people who were being attacked at a drinking establishment in Kuyasa, Colesberg, in the early hours of Thursday, 5 June.

Upon arrival at the establishment, police found no one, and they proceeded to the Manne Dipico Hospital to check if anyone was receiving medical treatment.

At the hospital, a Volkswagen Golf stopped, and Yabo reported his girlfriend was lying in the veld area between Bongweni and Khayelitsha. He was then arrested in connection with her murder.

“The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) remains committed to intensifying its efforts in the prosecution of gender-based violence and femicide,” said Northern Cape NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane. “The NPA further reaffirms its stance that those who commit such heinous crimes will be brought to book and face the full might of the law.”

Meanwhile, Northern Cape police commissioner Lt. Gen. Koliswa Otola has welcomed the stiff sentence handed down to a Noupoort man for the brutal murder of his girlfriend on Christmas Day 2024.

On Wednesday (13/8), the High Court, sitting in Colesberg, found Lukhanyo Xhotyeni, 41, guilty of murder and sentenced him to 25 years’ direct imprisonment.

This is after he violently assaulted his girlfriend, Sandiswa Poni, 40, using a beer bottle. The victim also sustained burn injuries during the attack.

“Women’s Month serves as a reminder to cherish and protect our women, children, and other vulnerable groups. This sentence sends a strong message that perpetrators of such heinous crimes will face the full might of the law,” said Otola.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cvs