Co-accused denies role in rape, murder
Home sleeping during time crime was committed, says Mafilika
XOLISA Mafilika, coaccused of murdering Sinoxolo Mafevuka, has denied any involvement in her rape and killing. He told the Western Cape High Court yesterday that he was home sleeping during the time of her murder.
“I don’t know anything about this. I heard about Sino’s death from her brother when I was returning home from work,” he said.
Mafevuka, 19, was found dead in a communal toilet at the SST Block in Town Two, Khayelitsha, on March 2.
She had been seen the previous night leaving for the toilet around 8pm.
Mafilika and his cousin Athabile Mafilika are on trial facing two counts of rape and murder.
Mafilika was escorted by police to the witness box while his cousin watched on. The 29-year-old denied ever wearing the clothing items found at the scene.
He said he had never worn the pair of sunglasses and two jerseys that many State witnesses alleged to have seen him wear.
“I don’t know it (referring to each of the items), it doesn’t belong to me. I have never worn it nor seen anyone wearing it.”
Mafilika also denied implicating himself in a conversation he allegedly had with State witness Xolile Matshotyana.
“Matshotyana is lying. He said this because we, together with Athabile, met him in Pollsmoor Prison and told him that he did the crime. We said this because his friends often wear hats like the one that was found at the scene,” he said.
The accused said he last saw Mafevuka the Sunday before her murder. He said she was in the room of his cousin, who she dated, sitting on the bed. He said he never spoke to her that day but had a brief chat with his cousin.
Mafilika did not recall events that transpired on March 1 after he returned from work at about 6pm. He said he probably did his routine, which was to bath and later have supper at his aunt’s place opposite.
“Athabile and I around 8pm went to Sonwabile’s home to smoke dagga. Just after 10pm we left. Athabile and his girlfriend went to his shack and I went to knock on my door, and my other cousin, Lunga, opened. I switched the TV on and watched movies till I fell asleep. I never left the room again,” he said.
The State was due to cross-examine the accused today.