The sixth suspect in the murder of Majama Glen Nkuna (38) told the Waterval Magistrate’s Court that he knows “exactly what transpired” when he briefly indicated that he wanted to represent himself.
Silence Madima (22) appeared in court on Monday, 16 March, following his arrest after police received a community tip-off linked to the investigation into Nkuna’s killing.
He told the court he wanted to represent himself because he “knows exactly what transpired”. However, after the court explained that the matter is being treated as a Schedule 6 offence under the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, he changed his decision and indicated that he would obtain government legal representation.
Madima was arrested on Friday, 13 March, after residents marched to the Waterval Police Station demanding action against violent crime in Elim and surrounding villages.
Nkuna’s body was discovered next to the gate of Elim Hospital at about 03:00 on Sunday, 8 March. Emergency medical services were called, but he was declared dead at the scene.
Five other suspects linked to the case previously appeared in the Waterval Magistrate’s Court. Three of the accused are 19 years old — Pfano Mukwevho, Rophiwa Tshisema and Clifford Munungufhala. Two others are minors, aged 16 and 17, whose identities cannot be published.
The case is being treated as a Schedule 6 offence, which applies to serious crimes such as premeditated murder.
Madima remains in custody and will join three other suspects when the case returns to the Waterval Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 18 March. Police investigations are continuing.