Middelburg — A 19-year-old Grade 11 learner, Katlego Gift Legjane, has been granted R3,000 bail by the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on 16 January 2026. This is in connection with the fatal stabbing of 30-year-old Senzo Nhlakanipho Khumalo at a tavern located in Uitkyk farm.
The incident occurred in the early hours of 01 January 2026, following an altercation that began at Kwagugu Tavern.
According to evidence presented by investigating officer Jabulani Mndebele, Khumalo was drinking at the tavern when a woman, who later became a witness in the case, poured wine into a glass that he had been using. Khumalo reportedly demanded his glass back, which led to a confrontation.
During the altercation, Khumalo allegedly slapped the woman on the face. Legjane intervened and reprimanded Khumalo for assaulting her. Khumalo then allegedly attacked Legjane before leaving the tavern.
The woman later advised Legjane to follow Khumalo to apologise in an attempt to defuse the situation between the two men. It appears that the deceased, Khumalo, and the assaulted woman had a close relationship.
Legjane, accompanied by friends, went to Khumalo’s house. While there, Legjane allegedly showed his friends a knife found at the house, claiming it was the same weapon Khumalo had earlier intended to use against him. This allegedly occurred in Khumalo’s presence.
The court heard that Khumalo suddenly grabbed Legjane and pulled him outside the room. Moments later, Khumalo returned bleeding and reportedly told Legjane’s friends: “Look what he did to me.” The friends left the scene to seek transport to take Khumalo to hospital. However, upon their return, Khumalo had already succumbed to his injuries.
Police were called to the scene and Legjane later handed himself over to authorities, surrendering the knife allegedly used in the stabbing.
In granting bail, the court took into consideration that Legjane is still a learner who needs to continue with his schooling, that he is not considered a flight risk and that his legal representatives require time to conduct further investigations.
Meanwhile, community members have raised concerns about violent incidents in the area and called for justice for the deceased. Local resident Mzamani Mbatha questioned the bail decision, saying the community feared for its safety.
“We do not understand why the magistrate granted him bail. A life was lost, and this situation has destroyed futures. Carrying a knife shows there was intent. We want justice for the deceased,” Mbatha said.
Attempts to obtain comment from Khumalo’s family were unsuccessful, as relatives indicated they had been advised not to speak to the media to avoid jeopardising the case. No separate assault charge was opened by the woman involved, as the incident occurred late at night on the same day as the fatal stabbing.
The case is expected to return to court on 13 February 2026 for further proceedings.
