Trial of hit accused delayed to April

THE trial of an alleged hitman hired to kill Eastern Cape department of health spokesman Sizwe Kupelo and Ngcobobased medical doctor Litha Mboyana was yesterday postponed to April 21 for further evidence.

The state was supposed to have closed its case yesterday but instead introduced two “new” affidavits without the defence’s knowledge.

The affidavits were in the form of phone records showing the date and time alleged hitman Mkhuthazi Excellent Gxaleka called Kupelo.

The two affidavits were dated April 22 and October 21 2016.

Defence attorney Ntsikelelo Manyisane stood up and objected, and presiding magistrate Nomthandazo Vabaza agreed.

Gxaleka has been in custody since November 2014.

In October Kupelo testified that Gxaleka had called him in February 2014 alerting him that he had been hired to kill him by people who were jealous of Kupelo’s achievements.

He had called him again in March that year saying the alleged hit was imminent and that Kupelo had to consult with a witch doctor if he did not believe the warning.

Kupelo opened a case of intimidation at the Cambridge police station.

The state is convinced Gxaleka was behind the phone calls and SMSes.

Gxaleka was arrested while appearing in the Queenstown Magistrate’s Court for an unrelated matter.

He was linked to Mboyana and Kupelo’s cases through cellphone and bank records.

Mboyana had R115 000 to stop paid the accused the alleged hit. —