No bail for alleged Univen serial killer, Ndivhuho Ntsieni

The Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court was packed to capacity on Monday for the bail application by the alleged Univen serial killer, Ndivhuho Ntsieni (25).

Community structures, student organisations from Univen, the ANC Women's League (ANCWL) in Vhembe, the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in Vhembe, pastors and Univen workers came in numbers to oppose the application.

Ntsieni stands accused on 16 counts, which include murder, rape and robbery. Earlier, his legal team asked the court to release him, so that he could go back to university.

When denying the application for bail, the court said that Ntsieni was facing severe charges and that he had failed to advance sufficient reasons and exceptional circumstances that warranted his release on bail.

The application was also declined on the basis that if released, Ntsieni might still go back to his alleged old ways and continue with his killing spree.The case was postponed to 8 June.

The outcome of the application came as good news to the structures that have been coming to court on a number of occassions. Representing the ANCWL, its secretary, Ms Thina Mbedzi, said that they were happy that Ntsieni would still stay behind bars. “We have been coming here in support of the families of the victims and our call has always been a clear one, that he should not be granted bail."

Reacting outside court, Ms Alilali Singo, the chairperson of the MRM in Vhembe said they applauded the decision of the court. "We are deeply concerned by the number of suspects who are released on bail and continue with their criminal behaviour. Our call has always that he be denied bail and that justice take its course," she added.

Ntsieni's alleged reign of terror started in March 2014 and continued for five months at Univen and surrounding areas. During his arrest, Ntsieni, a final year BSc student, was found in possession of a Univen student card and cell phone, allegedly belonging to one of the victims, Sandy Thagisa. She had been severely assaulted and left for dead, but miraculously survived. Thagisa has since passed away this year.

He was also found in possession of a cell phone belonging to another of his victims, Brenda Ndove, and a hairpin belonging to another murdered woman, Livhuwani Mbodi.

Date:15 May 2015

By: Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019.

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