Bail hearing for ‘hijack’ murder accused postponed

Expectant protesters calling for Nosipho Sidabuka-Jombile’s alleged killers to be denied bail were disappointed on Thursday when court proceedings were postponed until July 24.

The state told the Qumbu magistrate’s court it was ready to proceed with the application, but one of the accused’s attorneys was not present.

The four accused — the dead woman’s ex-husband, police officer Phindile Jombile, 52, his new wife Lindiwe KomanisiJombile, 39, her sister Sibongile Komanisi, 41, and Danisile Bhotyumpha, 55, — appeared only briefly before magistrate Vuyisa Dyomfana.

Sidabuka-Jombile, a former Bhisho civil servant who was affectionately known as “Ma-J”, was killed in an apparent hijack attempt while travelling from Mabaleni to Qumbu.

She was abducted by her would-be hijackers on June 11 and her body was found in the veld two days later.

Her son, 22, was with her at the time of the hijacking.

Prosecutor Elizabeth Mcaba told the court the state would oppose bail and it was ready to proceed with the hearing.

She said Sidabuka-Jombile’s killing had been premeditated.

The four accused face charges of murder, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Bhotyumpha’s attorney, Thanduxolo Qina, was not in court, so the matter was postponed.

Jombile, his wife and sisterin-law are represented by Mbulelo Ndabeni, who told the court he was also ready to proceed with the bail application.

Outside the court, men and women dressed in black waved placards bearing SidabukaJombile’s face and messages against gender-based violence.

A former colleague and friend of the slain woman, Buli Ganyaza, said: “The manner in which Ma-J was brutally taken away from us is unacceptable and as women we don’t feel safe.

“We feel that we are not respected by our partners.”

Lawrence Mambila, one of the organisers of the protest, said the accused needed to rot in jail if found guilty.

“We are saddened by what happened as the Mabaleni community. They must not be given bail. We used to see such things on TV.

“We are shocked by what happened and we are calling for the law to take its course.”

Sidabuka-Jombile’s neighbour, Nombaliso Nobhakada, 62, described her death as a huge loss.

“She was a good and humble person. The whole village is crying for her.

“I don’t feel safe as an elderly person in my community. We are thankful for each day that passes that as elderly people we are still alive.”