By Thembi Siaga and Maanda Bele
The cancellation of comedian Livhuwani "SABC Livhu" Madadzhe's bail has brought a sense of relief to the family of the late Lindelani Nengovhela, who say they are hopeful that justice will now take its course as he remains in custody.
Madadzhe's bail was revoked shortly after he terminated the mandate of Mudau and Netshipise Attorneys, who had represented him. The development emerged during his court appearance on Thursday, 4 December, at the Thohoyandou High Court in Waterval. The attorneys had formally withdrawn on 28 November, leaving Madadzhe without legal representation.
Madadzhe is facing several serious charges. He is on trial for the alleged murder of his partner, 32-year-old Lindelani Nengovhela, whose body was found in a water-filled pit toilet at their home in Mangondi Ha-Sidou village in January 2023. He has also been charged with fraud linked to a 2017 case in which he allegedly faked his mother's death to claim insurance money as well as additional counts of theft and fraud relating to vehicle rentals. While he has pleaded guilty to the earlier fraud charges, the murder and other cases remain before the court.
Although the court allowed Madadzhe time to appoint new lawyers, he did not have the necessary documents, resulting in further delays. He later met with attorney Khuliso Negota and Adv Ntsako Hlungwani, but their mandate could not continue without funding.
Azwidowi Tailor Nengovhela, brother of the late Lindelani — widely known as Mme a Muofhe — said the family was preparing for its first peaceful Christmas.
"Our hearts are slowly healing, but we know that the crocodile only has strength in water; once it is out of the water, it is powerless. The case of Lindelani will also proceed properly, as he will not have the connections to hide evidence or seek assistance from sangomas to tamper with the case," he said.
Nengovhela added that his sister's children were living with their paternal grandmother, who is central to the allegations against Madadzhe. "I communicate with them occasionally, and I believe they have been given strict instructions not to leave the house or go to stay with their maternal relatives," he said.
During proceedings, Judge Thogomelani Tshidada read the termination letter from Mudau and Netshipise Attorneys. Negota confirmed that neither he nor Adv Hlungwani had been instructed to continue representing Madadzhe as funding had also been withdrawn.
Madadzhe told the court he could not afford legal fees and requested more time to raise funds. He also cited difficulties paying school fees and raised health concerns, including problems with one of his eyes, saying he had not received treatment at Matatshe Correctional Facility.
The court confirmed that its earlier order stood and that it could not overturn its own ruling. Madadzhe's application for reinstatement of bail was dismissed.
The Nengovhela family said they were relieved that the matter could now proceed without interference and hoped that justice would ultimately be served.