Thursday, 15 December 2011
‘Sugar Cane Killer’ trial shock
The alleged Sugar Cane Killer, who robbed, raped and murdered at least six women, was once before acquitted of murdering a woman, due to insufficient evidence. This is just one of the shocking facts emerging from testimonies in the trial of Ntokozo Shumbuzo Mthimkhulu (32) of Emadaka Reserve, eSikhaleni. He appeared in the Mtubatuba High Court indicted on 17 charges relating to the serial killings in the Empangeni area. Mthimkhulu’s girlfriend, a teacher and witness for the State, testified she was in a relationship with him for many years, never suspecting him of such heinous crimes. She also supported him while he was in custody on the other charge of murder, believing in his innocence.
It later transpired that he had even called her from the cellphones of his victims.
The teacher, whose identity is withheld by the Zululand Observer, has refused witness protection.
She testified against Mthimkhulu and also handed in his curriculum vitae to prove he went under several aliases.
The Honourable Judge Nompumelelo Radebe is presiding with assessors Mr JM Buthelezi and Mr SSM Nkabinde.
State Advocates Siziwe Mkhonza and Deneshree Naicker have led the evidence of 28 of the 57 witnesses in the docket compiled by Captain Bonginkosi Mncube.
Heartache for families
Mthimkhulu is on trial for the horrific killings of at least six women from May to August 2010 in the Empangeni area. They were: Nozipho Mchunu, Nokuthula Jele, Millagrossa Zitha, Jabu Langa, Zanele Ndlovu and an unknown woman. The women were from good backgrounds and loving families and had money and possessions on their person.
Their skeletal remains and decomposed bodies were found at the farms Tedder, Logan, Matshana and Hillview and Top A Bus and Taxi Rank. As the loved ones of the victims testified, even hardened prosecutors and law enforcement officers were moved. The father of Nozipho Mchunu testified how he cooked supper for his beloved child every night, meeting her at the bus stop evenings to make sure she was safe. He waited three days for her return, but she never came.
The second victim, Millagrossa Zitha of Mozambique, was a talented singer and songwriter and one of 12 children. Her mother testified about her Milla and the daughter she left behind. She was also a dancer with a passion for life, who left her family with her last farewell - a book of lyrics. Jabu Langa was about to be married and was on her way to attend her traditional wedding ceremony. Her sister waited and waited. She never made it. The witnesses were prepared for the emotional trauma of court by Mandisa Sikakane, Court Preparations Officer of the Ke-bona-lesedi programme. Translated as ‘I see the light,’ the programme is aimed at assisting witnesses to understand and familiarise themselves with the court environment, legal processes and terms.
Witnesses are supported and assisted to answer questions accurately and truthfully and not be overwhelmed or intimidated.
Sikakane will also be responsible to prepare victim impact statements in the event of a conviction, to give the families the opportunity to tell the court how their lives were affected emotionally, physically and financially.
The case has been remanded until March for further evidence.