DAVID SIMELANE VS SIPHO CASE

MBABANE – The manner in which prominent businessman Victor Gamedze was killed seems to be the reason for the tight security and change of remand venues at the eleventh hour for the suspect allegedly linked to the murder.

Gamedze was shot dead at the Galp Filling Station in Ezulwini after watching his team, Mbabane Swallows, which recorded a victory over Manzini Wanderers in the Ingwenyama Cup knockout tournament at the Somhlolo National Stadium.

The intention behind the killing has not yet been established, however, another businessman, Sipho Shongwe, was arrested in connection with the murder of Gamedze.
Shongwe is not the only suspect in the matter since Mbabane socialite Sicelo ‘Dzodzo’ Zikalala/ Luthango and Mbuso Ncaza Nkosi of South Africa, are wanted in connection with the assassination of the businessman, together with an unidentified suspect.

In a study of cases involving suspects who were linked to murder in the country, it appeared that the case of Shongwe was uniquely treated in terms of security, presumably due to its sensitivity.
In May 2001, David Simelane was arrested for the murder of about 45 women whose corpses were found in forests in Malkerns and Macetjeni. According to many, Simelane was the worst killer in the country if not in the entire African continent.

However, when he made his first appearance at the Manzini Magistrates Court, Simelane was brought to court in a kombi with investigating officers.
In the case of Shongwe, the accused was never taken to any of the country’s magistrates court but his first remand was held at the Mbabane Police Station for security reasons. Shongwe made his first appearance before a judicial officer and was remanded in custody on the day Gamedze, who owned 10 businesses in the country was laid to rest at his parental homestead at KaLanga in Siteki.

In the second remand of Simelane at the Manzini Magistrates Court on May 8, 2001, the court was fully packed as the public, mostly women, wanted to see him whereas Shongwe’s second remand, which was scheduled for the Sigodvweni Circuit Court, was held at the Matsapha Maximum Prison. 

This was after the Crown had received information that some people, including Mbabane Swallow fans, were planning to attend the remand hearing. Noted is that the police officers had to hide Simelane from the members of the public who began to bay for his blood each time he appeared in court for remand hearings.

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