Amandawe murder-accused objects to media photos; court to hear media matter on September 14

Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court heard last week that murder-accused Sibonelo Senzo Gumede does not want the media to photograph him during court appearances. According to The Citizen (South Coast Herald), the request was made when Gumede, 29, took the witness box and raised his hand before the magistrate.

Court adjourned to hear media-related matter

The session was adjourned so the magistrate, Gumede’s lawyer, the prosecutor and journalists could meet. The magistrate told Gumede’s lawyer that the accused must provide clear reasons for the change of position, and set a return date on September 14 to hear his reasons and for media houses to respond, The Citizen (South Coast Herald) reported.

The magistrate also said that photographs taken of Gumede at previous appearances may be published, the report said.

Case timeline and plea dates

The court was told that Gumede will be pleading guilty to the murder of Nokuphila Mbhele, 28, on September 25, according to The Citizen (South Coast Herald).

The report states that Nokuphila Mbhele was shot dead in a rented room in Amandawe in 2025. It says Gumede shot Mbhele from KwaMadlala and then shot himself, but survived, in March 2025.

Family reacts

The victim’s mother, Sthembile Mbhele, told the court she is upset that Gumede can change his mind about media coverage. Quoted by The Citizen (South Coast Herald), she said:

“He had no right to kill my daughter, but he did anyway. The case was postponed again because his feelings have to be nursed. This seems like delay tactics because we are here today because of his actions.”

Sthembile Mbhele also expressed frustration at delays linked to changes in Gumede’s legal representation and described the personal strain of attending court while caring for her grandchild, the report said. She added:

“He seems to be forgetting that when he killed my daughter, their child was only 14 months old and that child is now my responsibility. He is not even remorseful; he was greeting his family in court. For him to say he is not happy with the media is insane because who is he to say what he likes and what he doesn’t like?”

About the reporting

According to The Citizen (South Coast Herald):

• At Caxton, every story is written by humans. The Citizen (South Coast Herald) said they use AI only to perform quality checks and never to generate the news.
• The South Coast Herald has been the ‘Leader in Local News’ for the past 78 years.
• The report is a product of Caxton Local Media.