The man accused of murdering his sister and burying her in a shallow grave in their family yard has refused to apply for bail or request legal representation — stating bluntly in court that he will face the charges alone.
Mluleki Nkosi, 30, appeared at the Kabokweni Magistrates’ Court on Thursday afternoon, where he told the magistrate that he does not wish to be released and does not want a lawyer. The case was postponed to August 14 for further investigations, and he remains in custody.
Laptop theft broke case
The dramatic turn in the case follows Nkosi’s shock admission earlier this week. This was after he was allegedly attacked by a neighbour, who had discovered that Nkosi stole his laptop. The stolen device was recovered at Nkosi’s home. This was the same place where the human remains believed to be that of his sister, Sibongile Nkosi, 44, were later exhumed by police.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, it was this confrontation over the stolen laptop that finally broke Nkosi’s silence.
“It was during that time, after the laptop was found, that he reportedly broke down and admitted to having allegedly committed murder,” Mdhluli told Sunday World. “He allegedly told community members that he had been haunted by what he did last year.”
Mdhluli added that the revelation was followed by swift action from local residents, who alerted authorities. SAPS Forensic Services exhumed the remains at the Nkosi home on Thursday morning.
Police say the incident reportedly took place on May 29, 2024, during a domestic altercation.
“He allegedly struck her during a heated argument, which led to her death,” Mdhluli said. “He kept quiet and remained with this huge secret in his heart for about a year. And he misled family members and neighbours by claiming that Sibongile had gone to visit friends.”
No missing person case
No missing persons report was ever filed. And it was only the theft of the neighbour’s laptop that set off a chain of events. This led to the gruesome discovery.
Mpumalanga’s MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, expressed shock over the case. He labelled it a distressing example of violence hidden in plain sight.
“It is distressing and greatly shocking for someone to die at the hands of her brother,” Macie said. “Families are expected to protect and keep each other out of harm’s way, considering the levels of violent crime in this country.”
He urged communities to speak out before tensions turn deadly.
Communities urged to speak out
“We are calling for the community to support the families and victims of violent crimes. We also want families to seek help in addressing challenges. To speak out before it is too late.”
Macie further noted that such crimes may be fuelled by undiagnosed mental illness and social strain. He called for a united approach to prevention.
“Police and criminal justice system are doing their all to curb the scourge. And communities and all sectors must work together to better ensure the protection of women and children,” he said.
