Doctor Thandi Mahuluhulu was called to testify on day four of the ‘Flabba’ trial at the Randburg Magistrates Court on 10 September.
In what was supposed to be the final cross-examination of Nkululeko Chauke, turned out to be a cross-examination of Dr Mahuluhulu, a forensic pathology specialist.
Nkululeko ‘Flabba’ Habedi was stabbed and killed on 9 March in his home in Alexandra. Sindiswe Manqele was arrested in connection with his death, whereafter she has claimed she acted in private defence.
Dr Mahuluhulu explained how the nature of the stab wound to the chest cavity is, “consistent with considerable force”as opposed to an ”accidental stab wound, which is possible, but highly improbable.” She also stated that the fracture of the fourth rib was caused by a sharp instrument . Defence attorney Norman Makhubele was insinuating that the fracture was in fact caused by the multiple attempts of ‘frantic CPR’, which was used to try revive the patient by the accused and others.
Dr Mahuluhulu confidently denied that possibility, stating that the fracture was straight and if it was caused by blunt force (frantic CPR) the fracture would have irregular edges. She could not confirm where the person yielding the sharp object was in relation to the victim. Although she could conduce that the wound came from the left.
Nkululeko Chauke will yet again take the stand at Randburg Magistrates Court at 10am on 11 September.
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