Durban - A witness testifying in the murder trial of a KwaMaphumulo taxi boss failed to turn up at court on Thursday after his home was said to have been attacked and he fled.
The man, whose identity is being protected, was giving evidence in the trial of Mondli Zulu, 35, who is charged with the murder of Nelson Cele, and the attempted murders of Cele’s girlfriend, Ntombifuthi Thusi, and sister, Phumzile Cele, on the night of April 29 last year.
The man started testifying on Wednesday, and identified Zulu as the man who shot Cele and the two women.
According to police sources, the man’s home in KwaMaphumulo was raided and set alight early on Thursday, forcing him to flee the area and go into hiding.
Proceedings at the Pietermaritzburg High Court were delayed on Thursday to allow for members of the K9 unit to find the frightened witness.
Prosecutor Frank van Heerden confirmed on Thursday afternoon that the man had been traced, but was not in a position to continue his evidence.
The case was then adjourned to Friday, when the witness was expected to resume his testimony. It is believed that he would now be placed in witness protection.
The State alleges that Zulu and Cele were both members of the Maphumulo Taxi Association. Prior to the murder, a leadership dispute arose in the association with Zulu and Cele supporting opposing candidates for the position of chairperson.
It is alleged Zulu then conspired with other unknown assailants to kill Cele.
Armed with firearms, Zulu and his accomplices drove to the Mphise area, where Cele lived, to kill him.
They allegedly spotted him driving his vehicle in the area, with his girlfriend and sister in the car.
According to the State, Zulu and his cohorts pursued Cele’s vehicle, and on catching up with the vehicle, fired multiple shots in the direction of the car, injuring all three. They then fled.
Cele died from gunshot wounds to his chest and stomach, while his girlfriend and sister survived.
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