WATCH | Officer calls woman accused of plotting sister’s murder ‘heartless’

The investigating officer in the bail application of Nikiwe Mngwengwe (46) and her co-accused, Duncan Pe Ntuli (43), has described the killing of Fundiswa Mngwengwe (34) as a gruesome and brutal act of gender-based violence, calling for the pair to be denied bail.

Testifying in the Camperdown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, Sergeant Mfanuvele Gumede said he was “100% opposed” to the release of both accused, whom he described as dangerous and heartless.

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Mngwengwe is accused of masterminding the murder of her younger sister, while Ntuli allegedly carried out the killing.

Both face charges of conspiracy to commit murder and premeditated murder.

Gumede, who is attached to the uMgungundlovu District Task Team investigating violent crime, told the court that the murder was committed in the presence of the deceased’s three-year-old child.

The child was allegedly left alone throughout the night beside her mother’s lifeless body.

They are both dangerous and heartless. A child was left the whole night with a deceased body. As a woman, Mngwengwe allegedly orchestrated the murder of her own sister, a crime that has deeply affected the children involved and society at large.

“Ntuli is accused of killing a woman in front of a child and has shown no remorse,” said Gumede.

He further argued that leaving the child unattended with the body in a pool of blood amounted to a form of child abuse.

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The murder has sparked outrage in the local community.

Since the accused first appeared in court, groups of residents have gathered outside the courthouse, singing and calling on the court to deny bail.

Gumede said the case had become a symbol of the country’s ongoing struggle against gender-based violence.

The court heard that when Mngwengwe was arrested, she allegedly admitted involvement in the murder and identified the person she had used to carry it out.

However, when police attempted to obtain a formal confession, a doctor reportedly found her medically unfit to make one and she was admitted to hospital.

Gumede maintained that the state’s case against both accused was strong and supported by multiple witnesses.

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He also accused both accused of interfering with witnesses.

He told the court that some witnesses had been threatened and had submitted sworn statements detailing the alleged intimidation.

As a result, several witnesses feared for their safety.

Gumede further testified that Ntuli had misrepresented his criminal history.

Although Ntuli previously informed the court that he had no prior convictions, fingerprint records revealed a previous offence for which he paid a fine in 2004.

The officer added that Ntuli’s father had distanced himself from him and indicated that he would not provide accommodation should bail be granted.

Mngwengwe’s brother also refused to house her if she were released on bail, citing divisions within the family.

Mngwengwe appeared with her face partially covered by a mask and a light blanket.

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Her attorney said this was because photographs were being taken in court, although Magistrate Siyabonga Ngcobo confirmed that media coverage had been authorised.

Mngwengwe, who took the stand, cited her employment as a teacher, her role as the sole breadwinner for her family and her medical condition as exceptional circumstances warranting her release on bail.

She denied any involvement in her sister’s murder, rejected claims that she would interfere with witnesses and told the court she intended to plead not guilty.

She also told the court that she was arrested while receiving treatment at Northdale Hospital in Pietermaritzburg and had not received the medical care she required at Westville Correctional Centre.

Mngwengwe said she suffers from epilepsy, had a stroke last year and requires medication for chronic back pain.

However, Gumede insisted that correctional authorities were capable of meeting her medical needs and pledged to personally follow up to ensure she received the necessary treatment.

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The bail application was postponed until Thursday, when attorneys for both accused are expected to cross-examine the investigating officer.

Reader information
The media may take photographs and videos of accused persons in court if permission is granted by a judicial officer.

The court may impose restrictions on what may be filmed, photographed or published. While an accused may oppose media coverage, the presiding judicial officer must balance the accused’s right to a fair trial and their rights to dignity and privacy against the public’s right to receive information about court proceedings and the constitutional principle of freedom of the press and media.

In this case, the magistrate granted The Witness permission to take photographs and videos of the accused, and no objection was raised by Mngwengwe’s legal team.