WIFE’S MURDER:3 CHARGES FOR BUSINESSMAN

MBABANE - Maswati Samukelo Simelane, the businessman who is accused of shooting and killing his wife at Mahwalala, faces three charges.

Apart from the murder charge, he has also been charged with illegal possession of a firearm and one live round of ammunition. It is alleged that Simelane (45) of Bhunya, Emhlangeni under Chief Shishi, used a 9mm Parabellum Lunger M80 pistol to shoot his wife, Zanele Manana once in the neck, inflicting a fatal wound from which Manana died.

Confession

According to the charge sheet, Simelane did not have a valid permit to possess the firearm and the live round of ammunition. He appeared for a confession before Senior Magistrate Nonhlanhla Dlamini. He then appeared before Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati for a remand.

Senior Crown Counsel Chris Sibandze applied that Simelane be remanded in custody until August 2, 2019 pending his committal to the High Court. The State also applied that Simelane’s blood samples be taken for the purposes of criminal investigations. However, his Defence Counsel, who was only identified as Dlamini, objected to the Crown’s application. Dlamini applied that the taking of the blood samples be deferred so that he could have enough time to consult with his client.

He submitted that the State would not suffer any prejudice if the issue of blood samples was delayed.
In response to Dlamini, Sibandze objected to the postponement, stating that it would make no difference as the blood samples would be needed at the end of the day.

Refusal

“It is not a refusal to the taking of the blood samples, it’s just meant for the purposes of consultations,” said Dlamini. In view of the circumstances, Magistrate Vilakati ordered that Simelane’s blood samples be taken for the purposes of criminal investigations. The magistrate stated that Simelane would not suffer any prejudice if the blood samples were taken.

He was remanded in custody until August 2, 2019 pending committal to the High Court.  Noted was that some of Simelane’s relatives were present to give him moral support. Some mumbled saying ‘eish’ when Simelane was called to the accused dock. Even though he seemed brave, he was not bold enough to face the camera.  Simelane faced the opposite direction as he walked to a police van. This was after he was tipped by some of his relatives about the presence of this journalist.

It also appeared that the couple who had marital problems once approached the Mbabane Magistrates Court for a peace binding order.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: