Twin sister of slain girlfriend of ANCYL official to be key witness

18 September 2015 - 15:52 By Roxanne Henderson

The twin sister of the slain girlfriend of a top African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) official Patrick Wisani's is set to be a key witness in the case. Murder-accused Wisani‚ 30‚ allegedly beat his girlfriend‚ Nosipho Mandleleni‚ 24‚ to death with a sjambok earlier this month at a home they shared in Yeoville. He handed himself over to the police two days later.The ANCYL’s chairman for Inner City Johannesburg and former community policing forum member applied for bail at the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Thursday. He faces one count of murder.Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Nicholas Masimini said Mandleleni's twin sister‚ who lived in the same house as the couple‚ had told the police that she had heard her sister and Wisani argue.“She went to seek help because she heard screaming in the house‚” he told the court.When she returned‚ the police and paramedics were at the scene‚ and she heard that Mandleleni had died‚ he said.Wisani claims that he called the police and paramedics for help the morning following the couple's argument.Magistrate Pieter du Plessis has asked Masimini to find out who called the paramedics‚ at what time‚ and how long it took them to arrive.Masimini‚ who said that a broken broomstick and a sjambok were found at the scene‚ was also asked to verify the alternative address Wisani has provided to the court.If Wisani is granted bail he cannot return to the home he shared with Mandleleni because her sister‚ a state witness‚ still lives there.Speaking after the court proceedings‚ Maurice Smithers of Awethu! A People's Platform for Social Justice said that he is concerned with the manner in which the investigation has been handled thus far.The court heard earlier that the case's docket was silent on important factors relating to the fatal incident.Meanwhile‚ the ANCYL has spoken out against the incident and abuse.Spokesperson Mbali Hlophe said: “It is unfortunate what has happened to [Mandleleni] who was also in the [ANCYL Johannesburg] branch executive committee.“We are monitoring the case very closely to ensure that justice is served.”The case returns to court on Friday. - TMG Courts and Law..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.