Murder-accused Livhuwani Madadzhe, famously known as SABC Livhu, does not seem sure whether he wants to be released on bail or not. In the latest twist, he seemingly decided to ask the court to let him out after previously abandoning his bail application.
When Madadzhe appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court for the first time on 30 January this year on a charge of murder, he caused a big stir when he cried and pleaded with the court to release him on bail, so he could go and bury his deceased wife. The court postponed his case overnight to allow him to arrange for his legal representative to be in court. The following day, the legal representative, Advocate Ntsako Hlungwani, was in court, but the comedian unexpectedly decided that he did not want to continue with his bail application after all.
Some believed it was out of fear of the huge protesting crowd outside the courthouse.
The case was postponed to Thursday, 23 February, and everyone thought he would apply for bail this time. A large crowd comprising different non-profit organisations fighting gender-based violence in Vhembe, political organisations and religious formations marched to the magistrate's court, again to demand that Madadzhe not be granted bail. However, Hlungwani failed to show up for his client's hearing and the case was postponed to 30 March.
Later that same day, Hlungwani approached the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court, saying that he could not be in court earlier as he was attending another serious matter in the Thohoyandou High Court. He indicated that his client wanted to apply for bail, and the court granted an extension. The date for the accused's formal bail application was set for 14 March.
The 38-year-old comedian from Mangondi Sidou stands accused of murdering his wife, Lindelani Nengovhela, and dumping her body in a water-filled trench in his backyard.