Mbombela community stunned as slain doctor's husband charged with her murder
The community was shocked to discover that it was the doctor's husband, Sifiso Vusimuzi Sibanyoni (39), who allegedly shot his soon to be ex-wife on November 20, 2024, in the Virgin Active Riverside parking lot in Mbombela.
Lowvelder reports protesters gathered in front of the court and chanted slogan like 'Killer, you are heartless' and 'Forward with the justice system, down with the killers of women and children', in an outcry against gender-based violence against women.
Family members, including the victim's father, Vusi Nkosi, and mother, Busisiwe Mazibuko, joined the protest.
The victim's colleague, who is the chairperson of the South African Medical Association Lowveld branch, Dr Sifiso Nxumalo, shared his appreciation for the arrest.
'We are happy to finally learn that there has been a breakthrough in the space of seven months after our colleague was brutally murdered. This is quite unusual in femicide cases. We congratulate the SAPS for the incredible work they have done in investigating this matter,' said Nxumalo.
Sibanyoni was remanded in custody pending his next court appearance on Tuesday, July 15, for a formal bail application.
The Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, previously said Sibanyoni was fatally shot at around 06:00 on November 20.
'She was walking towards the gym after parking her car at the parking lot of Virgin Active Riverside. A Toyota Starlet drove towards her, and a gunman exited the vehicle and shot her three times before fleeing the scene. Nothing was stolen from the victim,' Mdhluli said.
The police and paramedics responded to the scene. Sibanyoni was lying on the ground outside her car and was declared dead by the medical personnel.
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