KEY POINTS
- EMPD officer Banele Skosana was murdered while offloading stock.
- His widow, Sibongile Dlamini, was granted bail despite serious charges.
- The case has sparked debate over justice and police accountability.
The widow of Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officer Banele Skosana has been granted bail by the Springs Magistrate’s Court, despite allegations that she orchestrated his murder.
Sibongile Prudence Dlamini, 42, was arrested after police linked her to the February 7, 2024, murder of Constable Skosana, who was gunned down in KwaThema while offloading stock from his vehicle for a tuckshop he co-owned with her.
Authorities believe she worked with Nhliziyozabantu Magwanyana, 34, to plan the killing.
Both suspects face charges of premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Despite the serious allegations, the court granted Dlamini bail at R10,000 ($546) on Monday, sparking widespread debate about the case.
How the murder of Officer Skosana unfolded
According to evidence presented in court, Skosana was ambushed by two unidentified gunmen who fired several shots at him before fleeing the scene. He died instantly.
The Hawks’ Gauteng spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela announced that authorities located Magwanyana at a KwaThema hostel three days after the incident.
The authorities arrested Dlamini after completing their investigation of her contribution to the incident.
The case transformed dramatically after social media released videos that showed Dlamini weeping uncontrollably at her husband’s memorial event.
According to IOL, police later arrested her while she was lying on a mattress, reportedly surrounded by family elders.
Community reacts as bail raises questions
The decision to grant Dlamini bail has stirred mixed reactions, particularly from law enforcement officials and Skosana’s colleagues in the EMPD.
Some believe she should have remained behind bars given the severity of the allegations.
Before his murder, Skosana had recently completed paying lobola for Dlamini. Pictures from November 30, 2023, show the couple celebrating the traditional milestone.
The couple had been together for five years and had a two-year-old child.
Dlamini’s legal team argues that she is innocent until proven guilty. However, many in the community believe the circumstances surrounding Skosana’s death are too suspicious to ignore.
The trial is expected to continue as authorities gather more evidence to determine her exact role in the case.
