Advocate Ntsako Hlongwane, the legal representative of two of the people accused of murdering well-known Thohoyandou businessman Azwifaneli Mudau on Valentine's Day in 2019 said he was ready to defend his clients.
Winnie Ntanganedzeni Nemaranzhe (34), the wife of the murdered man, her co-accused Takalani Nemutandani (33), Tshililo Madega (31) and Tshivhangwaho Mudau (46) respectively stand accused of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances after Mudau was killed in front of his house and his vehicle and cellphone stolen on 14 February 2019. Nemaranzhe is suspected to be the mastermind behind the murder.
Hlongwane represented Madega and Tshivhangwaho Mudau during their second appearance in the Limpopo High Court in Thohoyandou on 2 November this year. He said no conflicting version of events existed in his clients' testimonies. "It is clear and to the point. The defence is ready to defend its clients," he told the court.
Nemaranzhe and Nemutandani abandoned their legal representatives during their first appearance in the Limpopo High Court in Thohoyandou on 24 October this year.
The case was postponed to 13-17 February 2023, while the accused will remain in custody.