DURBAN - THE trial of two high-ranking police officers accused of accepting a bribe in a murder case of an ANC branch leader is set to resume in March.
Lieutenant-Colonel Khephu Ndlovu of SAPS and Hawks Captain Bonginkosi Dlamini are both accused of accepting a bribe of R120 000 to allegedly tamper with the murder case involving the death of Thulani Nxumalo, who was killed in September 2018.
He was shot dead at his home in KwaNdengezi, when he was returning from an ANC meeting.
The two were arrested and are facing charges of bribery and defeating the ends of justice together with Felokwakhe Ndlovu, his wife Sibongile and their son Lindokuhle Ndlovu.
All the accused have pleaded not guilty.
Felokwakhe and Lindokuhle have been charged with Nxumalo’s murder.
The State alleges that Sibongile handed money over to the officers in 2019 to tamper with the case.
Yesterday, when the matter was called in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court, magistrate Muntukayise Khumalo heard that Sibongile and Lindokuhle needed time to get an attorney.
Sibongile said she would hire private attorney.
“I will hire an attorney privately. As soon as the court is adjourned I will get in touch with my family and by the end of the week I would have a representative,” she said.
Khumalo told them to make sure the attorney that they will get will be available in March for the trial.
“Let the attorney you will appoint know that the evidence has already been presented to the court. That attorney must be available from March 22-25,” he said.
THE MERCURY