Delay-hit lesbian murder trial stalled

Luvuyo Mjekula

The trial of nine men in connection with the murder of lesbian Zoliswa Nkonyana – which has been beset by delays for five years – has been stalled again for at least a month.

It was adjourned until April 11, but could be delayed by a further two months or more. This is due to the need for an analysis of handwriting and signature samples for one of the accused.

The analysis was requested by State prosecutor Alfred Isaacs after Zolile Kobese denied writing or signing a warning statement containing his version of what happened on the night of February 4, 2006, when Nkonyana, 19, was murdered, allegedly because she was openly lesbian.

Nkonyana was stabbed to death after she refused to use a men’s toilet.

Kobese and eight co-accused, ranging in age from 19 to 25, have pleaded not guilty to murder.

Kobese has denied having written and signed a sworn statement two police investigators say he deposed on the day he was arrested. His handwriting and signature samples were taken this week for testing.

The court heard yesterday that analysis took three months or more, but that the expert would prioritise this case to prevent further delays.

The case has been hit by 32 delays – there have been more than 30 postponements and an escape by some of the accused – since it went to court in 2006.

Members of public sitting in the court gallery yesterday growled when they heard the case might be hit by a three-month delay because of the analysis.

Talk of a delay sparked rumours that muti had been used outside the court to bring about a delay. People in the gallery said they had seen smoke near the court before proceedings began.

luvuyo.mjekula@inl.co.za