VEREENIGING – This is after the presiding Regional Magistrate Chris Kruger told the 37-year-old suspect that his case is postponed to May 3, for a formal bail application.
After the announcement made by the Magistrate, and Buthelezi getting a state Lawyer, the gallery was filled with screaming insults from the gathered group, who told Kruger “This killer doesn’t deserve a free lawyer!”.
ALSO READ: Nomvula Chenene’s killer set to appear in Vereeniging Magistrate court
Buthelezi appeared briefly at Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court on charges of murder after he was arrested when his lover told the police about him murdering a woman and burying him in a shack, under their children’s bed.
Following the tip-off, police went to the suspect’s home where they found a skull buried underneath the bed.
After further digging, they discovered more remains belonging to Chenene who is a sister to former soccer star Bennett.
Before the official court proceedings, several Gender Based Violence groups gathered outside the courtyard, singing and chanting in support of their lesbian friend.
Ntswaki Chenene Ndulula family spokesperson said the family is devastated and needs justice for their cousin's (Nomvula) murder. Ntswaki said the justice system normally fail victims families and hope they will do justice to their case. pic.twitter.com/pZewpPmcwC
— Sifiso Jimta (@JimtaSifiso) March 28, 2023
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, following the postponement, family spokesperson Ntswaki Chenene Ndulula said the family is devastated.
“We are broken because we tried to find her all this time, praying day and night, little did we know she is not far from home. We want justice for Nomvula for this gruesome killing. We know the justice system fails families of victims of gender-based violence, we hope they will make sure justice is served for the Chenene family,” she said.
Ntswaki said no human being deserves to be killed because of her sexuality.
“Whether they chose to be lesbian or born in that way, that choice is their own. Why should society decide for them how should they be? We are not free in this country, women are killed for no reason,” said Ntswaki.
Dimakatso Ramafikeng a Councillor in ward 02 speaking out about the postponement of Nomvula Chenene's killer first appearance. Ramafikeng said the whistleblower should also be arrested as she formed part of a manhunt group and never bothered to speak out. pic.twitter.com/dgvJdSWO8G
— Sifiso Jimta (@JimtaSifiso) March 28, 2023
Ward Councilor of ward 2 Dimakatso Ramafikeng said they tried to chase the man before the discovery of remains in his shack.
“His neighbours continued to support his stay when we chased him away, now look what he did. What he did is inhuman, this is a first. What’s funny is that when we went out searching for Nomvula, the same whistle-blower was with us and she didn’t say a word, instead she will lead us astray,” she said.
Ramafikeng said the lover should also face the music because she is equally guilty.
“We want her to be charged as well. She failed us, she failed the family and the community at large. We don’t know if she is in it as well,” she said.
Sexual Gender Based Violence and Femicide Activist and Feminist Uhuru Mbele expresses her dissatisfaction after Sizwe Buthelezi, Nomvula Chenene's killer case was postponed and was offered a state lawyer. Buthelezi appeared briefly at Vereeniging Magistrate court for the murder. pic.twitter.com/xGC2bECZoK
— Sifiso Jimta (@JimtaSifiso) March 28, 2023
Uhuru Mbele said “I am angry because of what happened at court. Imagine the family being in their state for three months, and to come to court to be told the killer has a right to a free lawyer”.
“Why are we still giving perpetrators of gender based violence a free lawyers at the expense of women being killed. The justice system is failing us,” she said.
