Siphosovuyo Yabo faces charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice following the death of Bunono Alulutho Buba, a Central University of Technology student whose body was discovered in a veld in Colesberg in June last year. The trial was postponed to 8–12 February in the Northern Cape High Court, sitting in Colesberg.

The trial started last Monday (12/10). Several witnesses testified about the circumstances surrounding Buba’s death and her relationship with the accused.

“Buba’s guardian testified that the accused had allegedly been abusive towards her and that a protection order had been granted against him,” said Northern Cape NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane.

“Two of Buba’s friends, who were also students in Bloemfontein, testified about what they described as a volatile and violent relationship. 

“Their testimony included evidence that Buba had, at one stage, changed the commune where she was staying in an effort to distance herself from the accused.”

The state called police officers who were among the first responders at the scene. “They testified about having to restrain the accused, who they said was aggressive, and told the court that they observed blood on his clothing when they encountered him.”

Alulutho Buba was buried on Saturday, 14 June. Photo: TikTok/ creenshot

During the early hours of 5 June last year, police responded to a report of people allegedly being attacked in the Khayelitsha section of Kuyasa. Buba’s body was discovered in an open veld between Bongweni and Khayelitsha at around 02:25. It lead to an investigation and the arrest of the accused.

She was found with a wound to her throat and a stab wound to her abdomen. Initially, Yabo said he had collected Buba from Bloemfontein and brought her to Colesberg to spend time with him. 

He claimed they had reconciled and rekindled their relationship the previous day.

They had been looking for alcohol at local taverns and, while returning home after failing to find any at the last tavern they visited, they were attacked by five unidentified alleged robbers, he claimed. 

He allegedly managed to escape to seek help. Upon returning to the scene, he discovered Buba with a wound to her throat.

“The NPA will continue to pursue justice for victims of gender-based violence and femicide,” said Senokoatsane, “and ensure that accused persons are held accountable through the criminal justice process where the evidence supports prosecution.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cvs

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