The families of the 15 alleged murder victims of Sbonelo “Madanon” Wiseman Shangase, 32, and Thalente Mkhize, 36, have expressed anger and frustration over the four-year delay in their relatives’ murder cases.

They specifically blame Shangase and his lawyer, Sithembiso Nkatha, for the hold-up. The trial, scheduled to proceed in July, was postponed because Nkatha failed to appear to represent his client.

The families, who remain anonymous due to an attempt on the lives of relatives set to testify, are furious that the case cannot move forward.

The accused face 28 counts, which include 15 murders, armed robbery, attempted murder, kidnapping, and multiple violations of the Firearms Control Act.

The alleged victims include Overport businessman Zeyn Moideen, who was shot in 2022 on Brickfield Road. Also among the victims are members of the Thandroyen family: Brendan Thandroyen, his daughter Bianca Afrika, and his brother Craig Thandroyen, all of whom were murdered in 2021.

Additionally, other charges relate to a January 2022 incident in Amaoti, Inanda, where six people were allegedly executed. The victims included four young men: 17-year-old Wandile Fanaphi, 20-year-old Qhaphelani Mkhovu, 22-year-old Mlondi Getane, and 25-year-old Mlondi Kunene, as well as Lindo Sphambo and Philip Hinsa.

“We are very angry, it has been four years now that we have been waiting for justice. The accused (Shangase) intentionally delayed the case,” a family member said. 

Moreover, the relative said they were looking forward to the trial, but due to Nkatha’s failure to appear in court, they now have to wait until next year for the trial to proceed.

“People are trying to kill our children. They were young when the incidents happened, so they don’t know much. It is now going to be five years since our loved ones died,” another relative said. 

During court proceedings on Friday, senior State prosecutor advocate Krishen Shah said the trial would proceed from early October 2026 to late November. 

Shangase is now represented by advocate Sibusiso Ntshebe from Legal Aid South Africa. Nkatha had been privately appointed.

In late January next year, Judge Jacquiline Henriques is expected to give her verdict, after she held an inquiry for Nkatha to explain why he failed to come to court to represent his client in a trial in July. 

During the inquiry, Nkatha said he had no intention of being in contempt, claiming that since July 2024, Shangase’s family had accused him of colluding with the State.

He further cited personal safety concerns and depression from mugging incidents. 

Shah indicated that when the trial eventually proceeds, it will be conducted in segments, with witnesses testifying via a screen monitor out of court. 

nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za

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