The Mpumalanga High Court’s Judge Takalani Vincent Ratshibvumo found Hlabirwa Rassie Nkune (36) guilty of two counts of premeditated murder on Tuesday May 16.
The trial started on Monday May 15, with Nkune facing two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. In a statement read by Nkune’s legal representative, he pleaded guilty to killing Pretty Mazibuko, who was said to be his girlfriend, and her sister, Marccia Mazibuko, who was a policewoman, in KaNyamazane on May 15, 2022.
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“I admit that at all material times, I acted wrongfully and unlawfully. It is my admission that at the time of the incident, I had the intention to kill both the deceased persons. I had no right in law to commit the aforesaid offences. I further admit that I knew at that time that my actions were punishable before a court of law. I am sincerely remorseful of my actions and ask for forgiveness from the Mazibuko family, the community and this honourable court.”
In the statement, he also explained his side of how the incidents had transpired.
After his plea statement, Ratshibvumo indicated that the state was not satisfied that all crimes had been admitted. This follows after the state prosecutor had questioned the way the events unfolded regarding Pretty’s murder. As a result of this, a plea of not guilty was added for count one (Pretty’s murder) in terms of Section 113 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
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The trial continued, even though Nkune had pleaded guilty, and they called a witness to the stand. Shadrack Vusimuzi Zwane, who is a neighbour, took the stand and gave his statement.
When the court gave its verdict, Ratshibvumo also referred to Zwane’s statement.
Read more in the next print edition of Lowvelder.
