VBS intimidation case postponed - again

The intimidation case against Thabo Sibandze (27) was postponed yet again in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Sibandze was arrested for the alleged intimidation of whistle-blowers in the VBS Mutual Bank saga.

Two members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), Mr Ronald Mani and Tshililo Timpson Musetsho, were gunned down earlier this year. Their killing is believed to have been instigated by people involved in the VBS looting. Sibandze’s subsequent arrest had been linked to these killings, but he has not been charged with the murders.

On Monday, Sibandze appeared in a fully packed Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court - his seventh appearance in the court. The case was postponed to 2 December, awaiting a decision by the Director of Public Prosecution. The magistrate, Mr Thifhuriwi Ligege, postponed the case at the request of the State Prosecutor, Ms Mashudu Nekhumbe.

Members of SAMWU as well as other interested groups picketed outside the court buildings. Many of them are frustrated and upset with the slow progress in the investigations into the deaths of two SAMWU members.

Sibandze is facing a charge of intimidation and illegal immigration since he allegedly entered the country without proper documentation. He is from Swaziland. He remains in custody.

Date:30 November 2019

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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