The long-running court case involving comedian Livhuwani "SABC Livhu" Madadzhe took a fresh twist on Monday, 3 November, when Judge Thogomelani Tshidada, who had previously recused himself, returned to preside over sentencing on two fraud counts.
Madadzhe was represented by one of his lawyers, Attorney Khuliso Negota. His other lawyer, Adv Ntsako Hlungwani, was present in court but sat in the gallery, reportedly because he was not feeling well.
The case has been postponed to Monday, 10 November, when sentencing proceedings are expected to continue.
Judge Tshidada will handle only counts 1 and 2, both linked to fraud allegations dating back to 2017, while a new judge will oversee the remaining three counts, including murder and assault.
The fraud charges stem from 2017, when Madadzhe allegedly faked his mother's death to claim insurance money. Reports indicate that a tombstone was erected at the Mangondi Ha-Sidou graveyard, even though no funeral took place and his mother was still alive. He allegedly also attempted to defraud FNB, but the plan fell apart when his sister informed the bank that their mother was living. These two incidents form the basis of the two fraud counts.
Madadzhe is also facing three additional charges, including murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and defeating the ends of justice.
These charges relate to the January 2023 death of his partner, Lindelani Nengovhela, whose body was found in a water-filled pit toilet at his home in Mangondi Sidou village near Thohoyandou.
In May 2025, Judge Tshidada recused himself after the defence raised concerns about bias. He later returned to handle only the two fraud counts, while Judge Matsaro Violet Semenya was appointed to preside over the remaining three charges.