The Durban police officer, accused of killing two women he was linked to romantically, has been found dead in his cell at Westville prison.

Correctional services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo confirmed on Monday that Const Mlungisi Blessing Sikhakane had taken his own life. 

“He committed suicide by hanging,” Nxumalo told SowetanLIVE sister publication, TimesLIVE.

Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sikhakhane, 27, who faced two murder charges, after Njabulenhle Majozi, 18, and Sthembile Ngobese, 24, were found dead at his home in KwaNyuswa, outside Pinetown, in October.

Last month he abandoned his bail application and requested a magistrate from outside the Pinetown district to handle his case.

However in a U-turn last week Sikhakhane’s attorney told the court he intended to reapply for bail.

Prosecutor Nomcebo Xulu told the court last week they received the postmortem results and are waiting for ballistic results and video footage. Regarding the requested date, Xulu said the investigating officer was going on leave until January 15.

The case was adjourned to January 19 for a formal bail application.

Xulu said the state would oppose bail. 

Action SA leader in KwaZulu-Natal, Zwakele Mncwango, who attended the case, said: “The families were hoping to get closure by hearing from him of what really happened and why he killed them. Unfortunately, the families will never get answers because Mlungisi decided to commit suicide yesterday inside Westville prison.

“We hope correctional services will investigate he was able to hang himself inside the prison cell.”

A petition, started by Majozi’s relative Precious Ndwalane on Change.org, has gained over 8,000 signatures in opposition to Sikhakane’s bail application.

“Enhle and another girl, Sithembile Ngobese (24), were both in a relationship with the police officer who is believed to have shot and killed both of them at his house. Enhle and Sithembile were shot in the head and other parts of their bodies and were declared dead by paramedics.

“11 empty cartridges were found at the scene of the crime. The accused police officer is being held in custody and his bail hearing was postponed to November 7 2022 at the Pinetown Magistrate Court,” the petition stated.

“The accused police officer, Mlungisi Blessing Sikhakhane, took away my brother’s firstborn daughter and Nomsa’s only child. He also took the life of Sithembile.

“Two families have suffered an unimaginable loss at the hands of a man who swore to serve and protect.

“Enhle and Sithembile died a senseless and cruel death. The very thought of him walking the streets and potentially going back to his job is scary and terrifying. Our families are at risk and we don’t even want to imagine him doing this to yet another innocent family.

“Society has no place for a man like Mlungisi. The police force has no place for an officer like Mlungisi. Enhle and Sithembile deserve justice. They had their whole lives and he recklessly took away their future and left us in deep hurt and unbearable suffering.”

TimesLIVE