The man accused of murdering his girlfriend of 17 years was released on R3 000 bail on Tuesday, 17 July in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, Ms Sphiwe Ntombela was murdered by her boyfriend on 12 June.
The 40-year-old boyfriend was arrested the next day and was charged with murder.
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There are conflicting reports as to how Ms Ntomblea was killed. Davel Police’s spokesman, Const Portia Nkosi, said the police received a complaint from Bethal Hospital over a woman who was run over by a vehicle and was brought to the hospital.
“On arrival, the police found the woman had died and it was alleged that her boyfriend had run her over,” Const Nkosi said.
However, when the Highvelder spoke to family members, they alleged the boyfriend had dragged Ms Ntombela to a nearby field and smashed her head in with a hammer.
The community of Kwadela in Davel, led by the African National Congress Women’s League, wanted the accused denied bail by picketing outside the court on his first appearance.
The family is still reeling after the man was granted bail.
