The family members of the late Lindelani Nengovhela, better known as Mme a Muofhe, say that the R50 000 bail that was granted to her murder-accused husband, Livhuwani Madadzhe, is a slap in their faces.
The comedian and businessman, popularly known as SABC Livhu, was finally granted bail on Thursday, 13 April, when he again appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court. Madadzhe (38) stands accused of murdering his wife earlier this year, after her body was found in a trench at their home.
In the brief appearance that lasted less than an hour, Madadzhe was represented by another attorney, Mr Maanda Magadze, as the legal representative who had previously argued his case, Advocate Ntsako Hlungwani, had to attend to another matter enrolled in the High Court. Conspicuous by their absence also were the large crowds that used to gather and march during his previous appearances.
The R50 000 bail has conditions attached. Madadzhe was instructed to relocate from his home at Mangondi Sidou to an address in Gauteng. He was further instructed not to interfere with any witnesses, whether he knows them or not, and to report at the Sandton Police Station on Mondays and Fridays, between 08:00 and 16:00 every week.
Advocate Hlungwani was also rebuked for his conduct outside the court.
Speaking outside the court after bail was granted to Madadzhe, the late Mia Muofhe's aunt, Ms Elsie Nengovhela, said the court's decision to grant him bail had brought the family profound sadness and revived their grief. "It seems like only yesterday that we buried our loved one, and already the man who [allegedly] killed her is roaming the streets. This is a very sad day for us as a family. We had hoped that he would be kept in custody until the case is finalised. We do not feel safe now that he is out. We are deeply disappointed that he has been granted bail," she said.
Nengovhela also took a swipe at the police and blamed them for not doing their job properly. In granting bail, Magistrate Mukoma Maiwashe pointed out that the case was brought to court prematurely.
"We are not at all happy with the way the case is being handled. The family has information that could help in the investigations, but the police seem not to be interested in it. If it continues like this, the case will collapse and the killer will walk free," said Nengovhela.
The case was postponed to 30 May for further investigations.