Mpumalanga High Court convicts ex-cop for shooting his wife dead
Mugiyo shot and killed Tebogo outside their house in Stonehenge, Mbombela, in May 2020. He drew a gun on her and shot her before shooting himself four times.
The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court has today convicted ex-cop Mugiyo Ulrich Mabunda for the premeditated murder of his wife, Tebogo Mabunda.
Mugiyo did not appear in court during the judgement. Judge Cassim Moosa proceeded with the matter nevertheless and convicted him in his absence. This was not the first time Mugiyo did not appear for court. On October 11, 2021, the matter was postponed to October 13 as the accused was said to be ill and unable to attend.
After the judge’s verdict, Tebogo’s family and friends had mixed emotions; some shouted with joy and some were crying. Outside the court, as with previous court sessions, family, friends, the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union, Mpumalanga ANC Women’s League and Bella’s Athletics Club picketed in support of the victim.
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The Mpumalanga NPA spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, said the matter was postponed to August 12 in the same court for sentencing.
“The accused was convicted in absentia, his bail was cancelled and a warrant of arrest has been issued for him to be rearrested.”
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Mabunda had been granted R10 000 bail during one of his many previous court appearances. He pleaded guilty on October 8, 2021.
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