Ntokozo Xaba’s alleged killer abandons bail

Ngcebo Thusi made a second appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where he faces charges of murder and defeating the administration of justice.

Xaba's lifeless body was found with multiple stab wounds at her off-campus residence, Ekhaya Junction, in Pretoria gardens on 2 February 2023.

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National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana’s made it clear the state was set on opposing bail after Thusi’s lawyer told the court his client would not make the application at this stage.

“The accused abandoned bail in the matter and the NPA intended to oppose bail. Even when he intends on bringing a bail application in the future, the NPA will definitely oppose bail.”

State Prosecutor Mashudu Nembulunge confirmed the accused’s address had been verified after proceedings were postponed last week for confirmation of his address and criminal profile.

While Nembulunge stressed on the record that Thusi had abandoned bail,  Magistrate Marco Richards reiterated that it was within the accused’s rights to bring a bail application at any stage in proceedings.

Xaba's elderly female relative sat in the packed gallery and sobbed bitterly as she admonished Thusi in isiZulu: "You are lucky to have a lawyer while my child doesn't."

The accused, who stared blankly at the magistrate through the brief proceedings, asked the court to bar the media from taking pictures of him. However, his request was not entertained on the day.

The matter has been postponed to 30 March for further investigation.