KwaMhlanga – Three men accused of the brutal murder of a respected local teacher, Sam Thabiso Maimela (60), appeared at the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court on 04 September.
The suspects, Kenneth Obed Nkosi (29),Thulani Sphamandla Mabhena (23), Mduduzi Christopher Ngwenya (34) are facing serious charges of premeditated murder, kidnapping and carjacking. The family members, Emanaleni community members and members of the South African Democratic Teachers Union came in numbers to support the family.
The family of the slain Maimela is unhappy with court proceedings thus far after the suspects changed last minute to apply for bail. Speaking to the Highveld Chronicle outside the court, Sphiwe Matjhiga, a family relative, expressed deep frustration.
“At first, the suspects refused bail, but now they have hired a private lawyer and are demanding bail. If they are released, our lives will be in danger and we will no longer feel safe,” she said, her voice filled with pain.
She added that the law is failing them as a family. “The law and police are not protecting us, especially Maimela’s children. No one is checking on us or giving us updates. We feel abandoned.”
Maimela, a former Mathematics teacher at Vulamehlo Secondary School in Vlaklaagte No. 1, was kidnapped at the gate of his home in Tweefontein D around 23h00 on 20 June 2025.
The following day, his car was found abandoned in KwaMhlanga. His lifeless body was discovered on 25 June in a remote area near Gemsbokspruit, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
The three suspects were arrested the same day.
In a dramatic twist, accused number three, Mduduzi Christopher Ngwenya, has terminated the services of the government lawyer and appointed Advocate Jafta Mabena as their private lawyer.
For now, the three suspects remain in custody. However, they have indicated to the magistrate that they intend to apply for bail, and their application will be heard on 15 September 2025.
