The murder trial of comedian Livhuwani Madadzhe, popularly known as SABC Livhu, took another twist on Tuesday, 22 April, when a third attorney was added to his defence team – raising the question: will a trio of lawyers be enough to save him?
Adv Ntsako Hlungwane, who leads the defence, introduced attorney Khuliso Negota to the team. Negota is already representing Madadzhe in a separate car-theft and fraud matter and will now assist in the high-profile murder trial unfolding in the Thohoyandou High Court, sitting in Waterval.
This move follows the recent addition of an attorney from Mudau and Netshipise Attorneys, signalling growing pressure on the defence as the State tightens its case.
Madadzhe is accused of murdering his partner and the mother of his two children, Lindelani Nengovhela, two years ago.
On the witness stand this week was Amelia, a neighbour, who testified that she was woken at around 03:00 on Saturday, 28 January 2023, by Hilda Mudau and Rofhiwa Nethonzhe – both of whom have already given evidence. The pair were reportedly looking for the deceased. Amelia directed them to the house of another neighbour, Litshani.
She said the accused later told her to search his home, claiming he intended to open a missing person's case. The deceased's body was later found in a toilet pit.
Another witness, Mashau Marandela, testified that she had discovered the deceased's body and sent a "please call me" message to Madadzhe. When he phoned back, she told him to come home. She said during the second call, he told her to tell his wife not to leave, saying he was coming home to "fix things". When he arrived, he reportedly cried but did not touch the body.
Speculation has long swirled that the murder case might collapse due to weak evidence. At times, the defence has appeared to dominate proceedings. But fresh testimony may be turning the tide.
Two key prosecution witnesses, Rofhiwa Nethonzhe and musician Hilda Mudau, both claimed they were present at Madadzhe's home on the night of the murder. Rofhiwa said she had returned to the house after a party in Itsani on 27 January, after being invited by the deceased.
Hilda, who had been living at the house since December 2022, testified that she went to bed early. Later, she said Madadzhe woke her, saying his wife was missing. Along with Rofhiwa, they searched for her in local taverns and lodges – but notably, no one searched the house.
After their failed search, Madadzhe reportedly re-entered the house alone and stayed inside for about 40 minutes. When the two women returned, he was reversing his vehicle and asked them to accompany him to the police station. It was there that he received a call from a neighbour informing him that his wife's body had been found.
Hilda told the court that at the crime scene, Madadzhe had stood with his hands on his head and appeared shocked, but had not touched the body. She also disputed earlier defence claims that Madadzhe had been held in a police van, stating he had remained at the scene throughout the investigation.
The trial continued on Wednesday, 23 April, when forensic pathologist Dr Arnold Mamashela took to the witness stand. He testified about his examination of Lindelani Nengovhela's body and the postmortem he conducted.
Dr Mamashela reported that Nengovhela had sustained bruises on her face, inside her mouth, and on her back. He further observed signs of organ congestion, which, according to him, are consistent with smothering — suggesting that her breathing may have been obstructed for a period of time.
When going to press the hearing continued.