Flabba’s alleged killer gets R10 000 bail
ALEXANDRA - Accused Sindisiwe Precious Manqele was today granted bail of R10 000 by the Alex Magistrate’s Gideon...... for the murder of musician Flabba real name, Nkululeko Habedi.
Sindisiwe Precious Manqele, the accused murderer of rapper Flabba was granted bail of R10 000 by the Alex Magistrates’ Court on 16 March.
The court case was postponed to 13 May to enable further investigations.
The rapper, real name Nkululeko Habedi was said to be romantically linked to the accused, and his murder is alleged to have resulted from a confrontation between the two. Habedi was fatally stabbed. At the first hearing Manqele showed the court injuries to her hands, abdomen, legs and other parts of her body alleged to have been inflicted by the deceased with some object.
The state opposed bail saying it was concerned that the accused was a danger to herself after she allegedly tried to commit suicide by cutting her wrists after the incident. It also argued that the accused could interfere with witnesses, that she was a flight risk as she had studied and worked in Dublin, Ireland, and that her release would incite public reaction, disturb peace and undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
In mitigation, her defence said it was evident that their client had been provoked to act in self-defence, and had no previous convictions. They countered that she had not attempted suicide while in custody, had and would not interfere with witnesses, agreed to hand in her travel documents, and was willing to report to and comply with any bail conditions.
The magistrate ruled that based on the facts presented it was in the interest of justice to grant Manqele bail. She was ordered to report to Midrand police station every Wednesday and Friday, and to seek permission of the investigating officer for any travel outside the province.
Manqele who sat quietly in the dock concealed her face with a head scarf in a packed court room.
Meanwhile, some of the public expressed unhappiness with the granting of bail. Lidisha Shiku and Muzi Myeni said it was insensitive, especially a day after the deceased was buried. “The case is very serious and the decision will send a message that committing murder is rewarded,” said Shiku.
Myeni added, “Giving her bail was an affront to the family still in mourning. It confuses the public especially when murder and other crimes are on the increase.”
Rosinah Letsoalo, Malebo Malatji and Kamogelo Pule said bail or no bail, a murderer did not deserve to be free. “There is no guarantee that the public will not seek revenge,” said Letsoalo.
