Boksburg - A woman broke down on Tuesday during an inquest into the death 13 years ago of a love rival of sidelined crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli.
“Can I ask for a break? I'm feeling sick,” said Justina Ramogibe, the sister of the deceased.
The inquest into the death of Oupa Ramogibe is being held in the Boksburg Magistrate's Court.
Ramogibe was in tears and kept looking down while she explained what was wrong.
Magistrate Jurg Viviers urged everyone to use time effectively and said the inquest should try and accommodate everyone.
“I will allow her to be excused until tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. In the meantime, recall the mother Sophia,” he said.
The Ramogibe family believes Oupa was killed in 1999 after marrying Mdluli's mistress Tsidi Buthelezi.
Justina, earlier under cross-examination, was accused of lying under oath to the court about events leading up to Oupa's death.
She was also queried about signatures on statements in her name, and asked if she believed some had been forged by police.
“Police can do that,” she said before asking to be excused.
Justina's mother, Sophia, took the stand and was being cross-examined.
Mdluli had been accused of the murder with Samuel Dlomo, Colonel Nkosana Sebastian Ximba, and Lt-Col Mtunzi-Omhle Mthembeni Mtunzi, but the charge was provisionally withdrawn in February pending the outcome of the inquest.
Also withdrawn were charges of intimidation, kidnapping, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder.
The inquest continues. - Sapa