A key witness in a rape case against controversial Sibasa prophet Phathutshedzo Sikhubu was shot dead in a hail of bullets just days before she was due to testify against him in Cape Town.
Ndinainwi Mabuke, 26, was gunned down at close range as she boarded a taxi at Thengwe Matshetshete in the early hours of 11 October. The primary school teacher from Tswinga had just left an all-night prayer session when an unknown gunman emerged and opened fire at around 04:45.
She died at the scene. A 55-year-old taxi driver and a 69-year-old woman escaped with serious injuries.
Mabuke was scheduled to appear in the Cape Town Regional Court on 17 October to testify in a rape case against Sikhubu, who is better known as Muritho or Ritha. She was killed two days before celebrating her 26th birthday on 13 October.
The prophet, 40, is currently in custody, facing multiple rape charges. He was denied bail after allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl in an office at his church in Sibasa on 9 July.
Ironically, Mabuke had attended the prayer session at the House of Cana Prophetic Church, hosted by Prophet Wesly Rolindela, a known close friend of Sikhubu's.
It is alleged that, before the killing, the deceased was approached and asked to withdraw the case, which she refused. A copy of an affidavit in which she refused to withdraw the charges is circulating on social media.
Family spokesperson Osborne Mabuke said that inasmuch as they believed and had confidence in the police, they knew there are people who had information about the incident. "It might the Mabuke family today, but it could be you or your relative tomorrow. Let us as a community stand up and help the police in arresting the killers," he said.
Vhembe Human Rights for All chairperson Thabelo Benedictor Nalana said: "We are very suspicious of this incident and it is clear that it is intended to complicate the Cape Town rape case."
Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba confirmed they had opened a murder and two attempted murder cases but said the suspects were unknown.
"Anyone with information that can assist in the investigation is urged to contact the investigating officer, Const Rendani Peter Tshavhungwe on 072-1892544, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App to share information anonymously," he said.
There will be two memorial services, one at the St Augustine school where Mabuke worked which takes place on Thursday 15 October at 10:00 and another at Tswinga on Friday. She will be buried at Tshaulu on Saturday.
Sikhubu appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court on 14 October on the separate rape charge involving the 14-year-old. The case was postponed to 13 November, awaiting the Director of Public Prosecutions' directive.