Two suspects briefly appeared in the Qumbu Magistrate’s Court in connection with the murder of Lizeka Goqa (60) at Mafusini locality in Qumbu on July 14, 2022.
Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Luxolo Tyali, confirmed that Siphiwe Gelese (30) and Sive Nomfazi (29) are being charged with the murder of Goqa and appeared in court. Gelese was allegedly employed by the deceased.
“Their case was postponed to August 10 for a formal bail application,” said Tyali.
Community members went to support Goqa’s family when the accused appeared in court, demanding that they should not be granted bail.
According to one of the community members, Sinovuyo Mtata, Gelese worked for Goqa, making bricks (thathu) for her.
Mtata alleged that Gelese heard Goqa had some money and on July 13 he approached his friend, Nomfazi, telling him that they should make a plan to get the money.
“Gelese told other employees that they should not go to work, stating that Goqa was not going to be available on that day (July 14) of the incident.
“On the said day he went to the homestead of the deceased where he tied her hands and legs and put a cloth in her mouth so that she could not shout. Thereafter he allegedly went to his co-accused to inform him that they could continue with their plan,” said Mtata.
She said upon their arrival, they allegedly burnt the deceased with a burning plastic bag, forcing her to supply them with her pin code.
Mtata added that she allegedly gave them the pin and they then stabbed her with a sharp instrument, leaving her dead.
“It is alleged that after killing her they allegedly went to the bank, but they did not manage to withdraw money as the pin was wrong. When they came back, they took her body and dumped it at a homestead where no one lived.”
Mtata said they wanted the court to ensure that the accused are not granted bail. She said they were still shocked about this incident.
