By Ndumiso Khuzwayo
The bail application hearing of three suspects in the murder of a Durban primary school teacher was postponed this week.
Nkosikhona Nkwanyana, 41, Bongani Fakude, 36, and Sanele Khomo, 36, accused of Dudu Khumalo’s murder, appeared for bail at Ntuzuma Magistrates’ Court in KwaMashu on 13 November.
Nkwanyana and Khomo have had their bail application postponed to 20 November due to the investigating officer’s unknown reasons for absence. Khomo, a Westville Correctional Services inmate, has abandoned bail.
The accused faced a packed courtroom, including community members and Khumalo’s family, demanding justice.
The suspects are facing charges of planned murder, firearm possession and two counts of conspiracy to commit murder.
According to KZN police, Khumalo was shot to death on 29 July inside Phikiswayo Primary School in Ntuzuma township, where she was a Grade R teacher.
KZN police spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda said a man had entered the premises of the school and asked to speak to her before he fatally shot her. Investigations by the KZN Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit linked the murder to a Westville Correctional Services inmate who is believed to be the mastermind behind the crime. Khumalo was apparently a key witness in his case.
“Police established she could have been assassinated because she was a witness on a matter concerning an inmate at the Westville prison,” he said.
Phikiswayo Primary School principal Mthokozisi Mchunu, who attended the initial court session with Khumalo’s family, said: “We are grateful for the efforts of the police in apprehending these individuals. Our country does not need people who commit such acts, taking the life of an innocent person who was a teacher, a mother and a provider for her family. Although her loss is irreversible, justice must prevail. She was passionate about her work and inspired us all to keep going. Her dedication was something we looked up to and now we must persevere to ensure that these children receive the education they deserve.”
The KZN MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, commended the police for the arrests of the accused.
“As the Department, we commend the swift action of the police to bring the culprits to book. No one is above the law. Although the passing of Khumalo left us devastated, we are grateful that the long arm of the law will bring justice, peace and closure to us, the grieving families, staff, colleagues and our learners,” he said.
