Jersey possible lead to Mafevuka’s killer

State witness identifies item, one of accused denies ownership

AN ITEM of clothing found near the mutilated body of Sinoxolo Mafevuka, 19, has been identified as belonging to one of the two accused of her murder.

A photo of a blue jersey with stitching at the side and a white label was shown as an exhibit in the Western Cape High Court.

It was identified by State witness, Andiswa Baba, who said it belonged to Athabile Mafilika. She said he wore it the night before Mafevuka’s body was found in toilets at the SST Block, in Khayelitsha.

She also recalled seeing him wearing it with a pair of jeans on the day he had been working at the container, situated about 160m from the communal toilets.

On another occasion he had worn it with a pair of white shorts, she testified.

Baba is a community leader and a neighbour to the accused cousins, Athabile and Xolisa Mafilika. She said not a week goes by without one of the two cousins wearing that jersey.

Defence advocate Shaid Bruinders for Athabile said his client denied owning it.

“Athabile says he doesn’t have a jersey as depicted here. He doesn’t know it,” said Bruinders.

To which Baba replied: “It is his jersey. He lives in my area, he passes by wearing it. But if he denies this jersey, then it is his problem.”

Bruinders said Athabile also denies owning a pair of white shorts.

Baba, as part of her community work, is responsible for checking materials used for building houses in the area. The cement is stored in the container which is not far from the garage.

She said the two accused not only assisted her unloading cement from the delivery truck to the container, but on social grant payment days they usually sat at the side of the garage pushing grocery trolleys for Metro supermarket customers.

“Athabile denies pushing trolleys at Metro, he says it’s his cousin,” said Bruinders.

Baba responded: “I know his cousin, the cousin works inside the store. Athabile hangs around near the garage, close to the container. He is lying.”

The defence advocate also raised discrepancies in a police statement made by Baba in which she speaks about a grey jersey with black stripes.

However, in her evidence-in-chief, she spoke of a blue jersey. Baba said she made it clear to the court that she was not good with colours, but was adamant that the jersey found at the scene belonged to Athabile. “I am not mistaken. I know what I am talking about. If accused two says it’s not his, then I don’t know.”

Mafevuka’s body was discovered in March last year. The trial continues. –