KEY POINTS
- Former State prosecutor Bheki Manyathi has taken on the defense of a Durban double murder accused person.
- In August 2024, Lungani Mthethwa reportedly killed two female victims during a night outing.
- Both Sandile Chili and Bheki Manyathi represent Durban High Court trial proceedings.
A Sherwood-based man aged 31 chose former senior State prosecutor Advocate Bheki Manyathi as his defense representative in his double murder trial.
High-profile defence for murder accused
People were shocked to see Manyathi defend Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula after he acted as her prosecutor in previous corruption proceedings in the Durban High Court. No one knows if Manyathi will still handle the murder charges against Mapisa-Nqakula.
Before assuming his position as an advocate he had led evidence gathering during the political killing investigation at the Moerane Commission of Inquiry in KwaZulu-Natal.
Allegations against the accused
South African courts have charged Lungani Mthethwa with robbery involving special aggravating elements as well as the killing of two friends Zizipho Philile Gabisa (pharmacist) and Anele Mbokazi (nurse).
Mthethwa and his companion Sandile Alex Chili brought the victims Zizipho Philile Gabisa and Anele Mbokazi to an outing after they met them at a traditional event.
On that day the group consumed food and beverages while they eventually secured accommodations at the Royal Hotel situated in Durban.
Mthethwa became irritated when Gabisa expressed her intention to depart during that nighttime event. According to the police investigation Mthethwa took the women to a secluded spot after which he killed them with his gun.
Trial developments
Chili accompanied Mthethwa at the crime scene before the latter forced him to remain quiet through threats. Arrested police officers caused Chili to become a State witness against them.
Manyathi has received court authorization to review the case before February 27 when his trial proceedings will restart.
