The trial of two men accused of stabbing ANC councillor Simphiwe Silo to death in February 2023, commenced last week with testimony by one of the investigating officers.
Bulelani Qombole (38) and Thanduxolo Gontse (42) both pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. Both accused have been in custody since their arrest on Monday 6 February 2023, hours after the murder, and are represented by Legal Aid lawyers.
Qombole, who was out on parole at the time of the murder, and Gontse, who is wheelchair bound, both face a charge of murder relating to Silo’s death in the early hours of Monday 6 February 2023 in Zwelihle.
Silo was reportedly on his way home when he became embroiled in an argument, during which he sustained a stab wound to the leg. It is reported that he stumbled home in search of help. However, he died before he could receive medical attention.
Silo’s widow, Iviwe, was the second witness to take the stand in Qombole and Gontse’s trial. Testifying about the day of the event, she said, was extremely traumatic as she had to relive every moment that led up to her husband’s death.
She recalled how her husband stumbled into their house with blood pouring from his wound and told her who had attacked him.
“When they came out of the house and told me that he was no more, I couldn’t believe it and I didn’t want to go back into the house.
“I know who they (the suspects) are because they live in the area, but I don’t know them personally. I wish I knew what the argument was about and what the reason was for killing my husband.”
Iviwe said although it was tough testifying, she is happy that the trial has finally started after nearly two years since the arrest of the suspects. She added that she is extremely grateful to the investigating team, who have done an excellent job in making the arrests and securing crucial evidence, such as the murder weapon.
“Thank you very much to the detectives from the provincial unit for the great job they have done and ensuring that the suspects didn’t get bail. Now, I just wish for them (the suspects) to spend many years behind bars,” she added.
Councillor Bongiwe Nombula, who replaced Silo as ward councillor for Ward 5 of the Overstrand Municipality, expressed the hope that the trial will be concluded soon in order to bring closure for his loved ones.
The trial will resume on 28 November. The accused will remain in custody.
