The residents of Ixopo in the midlands of KwaZulu-Natal came out in big numbers to oppose Mbuyiseni Gema’s bail application.
Gema, the police officer accused of killing his heavily pregnant girlfriend Busisiwe Ngubo, appeared in the Ixopo magistrate’s court on Tuesday morning.
He faces a charge of murder.
The 48-year-old Gema, a sergeant at Ixopo police station, was arrested by members of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate on Friday in connection with Ngubo’s murder early in August.
Ngubo was found dead next to the road at eHlanzeni in KwaZulu-Natal. At the time of her death, she was pregnant with Gema’s triplets.
Reports say the deceased was last seen leaving home with the suspect on August 13 before she was found strangled and dumped next to the road.
Gema could also face additional charges of dealing in drugs after a stash of dagga and other exhibits were found at his residence after his arrest.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the case has been remanded to August 25 for Gema’s application for bail.
NPA spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said the state will oppose the application.
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