Thembela Khamango

Thembela Khamango

Like murder accused Annanias Mathe, Mulalo Sivhidzo could abscond if she were to be given bail in her trial for the murder of her husband Avhatakali Netshisaulu.

Prosecutor Lebo Sibi told the Krugersdorp magistrates' court yesterday that media exposure and being well-known across the country would not deter Sivhidzo from absconding.

Sibi quoted the case of Mathe, whose picture had been extensively published by the media but who had been found and arrested by a tracker company and not by the community.

Sivhidzo is accused of being the mastermind behind the murder of her husband Netshisaulu, 31, the son of City Press editor Mathatha Tsedu, on December 7.

Her attorney Dolph Jonker had earlier argued that, with the help of the public, it would be relatively easy to catch Sivhidzo if she absconded because her picture had been widely published in the media.

Jonker said the state did not have a case against his client. He argued that Sivhidzo's name was not on the seven-page document the state was basing its case on and that he did not know the charges against his client.

Sibi said Sivhidzo had known she was facing charges of murder in connection with the killing of her husband because she had mentioned this in her affidavit before the court.

She said the state had prima facie evidence against Sivhidzo. She accused Sivhidzo of not having disclosed that she had a passport.

The case was postponed to February 12 for judgment on the bail application.

Sivhidzo remains in custody and will appear when her five co-accused appear on Friday.