THE case of Port Durnford murder accused Sfiso Thulani Gumede (49) took a surprising turn on Thursday when he willingly confessed to killing his girlfriend.
Gumede briefly appeared in the eSikhawini District Magistrate’s Court after he voluntarily informed the investigating officer he was responsible for the shocking murder of 40-year-old Ntombizodwa Sithole.
According to Empangeni police spokesperson, Capt Mbongeni Mdlalose, Gumede’s confession was recorded, however he will reappear for a formal plea soon.
‘The magistrate has to determine whether he was not pressured to confess. A date will be arrange for him to appear in court to plead guilty. Once he has done so formally, the court will that arrange for his sentencing,’ said Mdlalose.
Gumede was arrested and charged with premeditated murder last month after female remains were found under a burning tractor tyre in a forest near his home in the Port Durnford area.
At the scene police detected a wheelbarrow tyre trail which led them to a fly-infested shallow grave outside his home.
Police believed the body had been buried in the grave before being transported in the wheelbarrow into the field where it was set alight.
Gumede remains in police custody until his next court appearance.
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