The family of the woman who was shot dead while worshipping at Makonde has expressed concern over how her case is being handled by the court.
The late Funanani Patience Mbedzi, a popular gospel musician who had performed with the Worship House band at Shayandima and the owner of Funi's Hair Salon in Khubvi, was killed while leading a church choir at the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ Church in Makonde Shadani.
The 42-year-old was shot dead in cold blood, allegedly by her estranged husband, Eric Mundalamo, on 30 March 2024. The suspect has appeared in court several times and was eventually granted bail.
Ms Linneth Mudau, the deceased's younger sister, said the case was not proceeding well.
"This trial was supposed to have started on 3 November 2025, but the defence requested a mental evaluation for their client. It was postponed to 13 November after the defence indicated they would enter a plea on that date. We arrived in court and waited for it to open. While waiting outside, a man accompanying the suspect's former attorney called the suspect into the court. Shortly after, they emerged smiling and left. When we entered, we were told he had appeared and that the case was postponed to 27 November," she said.
Mudau said they had travelled all the way from Thohoyandou, only for the suspect to appear in their absence. "All of this seems to be a delaying tactic to push the case into the new year, as the courts will soon go into recess. Together with Mr Itani Nengudza of the Real Man Foundation, we have submitted a formal complaint to the Director of Public Prosecutions in Polokwane," she said.
Real Man Foundation director Itani Nengudza confirmed they had submitted a formal complaint.