Samukeliso’s brother in court for murder

By Tendayi Madhomu

BULAWAYO – Brother of the late con-athlete Samukeliso Sithole, who died last week during an alleged fight over a wardrobe, appeared in court on Monday to answer to murder charges.

Kelvin Sibanda of Sizinda Flats in Bulawayo, whose age was not given, appeared briefly before Magistrate Sibongile Msipa at the Tredgold Courts.

He was represented by his lawyer Nozabelo Ndlovu of Cheda and Partners.

Sibanda was told to apply for bail at the High Court, and the matter was remanded to December 29.

The state alleged that on December 10 at around 2000hrs, the two half-brothers were involved in a quarrel over a wardrobe reportedly left behind by Sibanda’s father.

The altercation degenerated into a fist-fight with Sibanda claiming he was the rightful owner of the wardrobe.

Sibanda fled from his brother who had overpowered him and the latter pursued him.

While outside the flat, Sibanda who was now armed with a screw driver allegedly stabbed his brother once on the left collar bone.

Sithole reportedly fell on the ground unconscious and the accused fled from the scene.

Sibanda’s wife and neighbours who had come to stop the fight, but in vain rushed Sithole to the hospital. He died on the same day while being attended to by doctors.

The alleged murderer, who was on the run, was arrested on December 12 at Pumula Beer Garden in Sizinda after a tip off from the public.

After his arrest, Sibanda led the detectives to the recovery of the murder weapon, a screwdriver he had hidden in his bedroom.

Sithole, who was a cross-dressing male in his lifetime, masqueraded as a female athlete and competed at national and international level, scooping gold and silver medals.

According to reports, the doctors and other practitioners who were present at the hospital when Sithole was stripped were shocked to discover that ‘she’ was a man. The Zimbabwe Mail