Sifiso Vusumuzi Sibanyoni will remain in custody after the Mpumalanga High Court in Mbombela dismissed his application for bail in connection with the murder of his estranged wife. The ruling reinforces an earlier decision by a lower court, which found that Sibanyoni failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances that would justify his release.
Judge Lindiwe Vukeya upheld the magistrate’s decision, stating that the seriousness of the charges and the strength of the state’s case weighed heavily against granting bail. Sibanyoni, 39, faces a Schedule 6 offence of conspiracy to commit murder following the fatal shooting of his wife in November 2024.
The deceased, a medical doctor at Rob Ferreira Hospital, was shot in a parking lot in Riverside on 20 November 2024. Sibanyoni was arrested on 8 July 2025, more than six months after the incident, as investigations into the killing intensified.
According to court proceedings, the state’s case relies significantly on testimony from the investigating officer, Constable Sindisiwe Precious Nyaka. Nyaka told the court that Sibanyoni allegedly approached two individuals and asked them to kill his wife. She testified that he drove the witnesses to Nelspruit, showed them where the deceased lived with her uncle, and pointed out the hospital where she worked.
The court heard that Sibanyoni allegedly informed the witnesses about his wife’s daily routine, including her early morning trips to the gym before heading to work. He is also said to have shown them a photograph of the deceased to ensure they identified the correct target.
When the alleged plan was not carried out, Sibanyoni reportedly contacted the two individuals demanding answers. Nyaka testified that he claimed to have already paid R75,000 to other people to carry out the murder, but that they had disappeared with the money without fulfilling the agreement.
Phone records obtained through a Section 205 investigation reportedly revealed communication between Sibanyoni and the two witnesses on 8 November 2024. The records further indicated that all parties were in contact on the day of the shooting, strengthening the state’s argument of conspiracy.
The court also considered the existence of a protection order previously granted against Sibanyoni. The order prohibited him from threatening to kill his wife and was issued while the couple was in the process of divorcing. During the divorce proceedings, the deceased had reportedly sought a 50% share of their estate.
In his defence, Sibanyoni denied any involvement in the murder. He maintained that he was at home in Mbombela on the night of the incident, claiming he was with his partner, son, and younger brother. He stated that he only left home early the next morning after being informed of the shooting by medical staff.
Sibanyoni further argued that the state’s case was weak and largely based on hearsay evidence. He denied knowing the alleged co-conspirators and insisted there was no direct proof linking him to the actual shooting.
The businessman, who described himself as a self-employed diesel supplier earning approximately R80,000 monthly from his enterprises and rental properties, also raised concerns about the financial impact of his continued detention. He said his incarceration would harm his businesses and affect his ability to fund quality legal representation. He additionally highlighted his responsibility toward his four minor children.
Despite acknowledging that Sibanyoni is not a flight risk due to his fixed address and family ties, the court found that there was a real risk of witness interference if he were released. Judge Vukeya emphasised that the individuals who allegedly linked him to the crime were people he had reportedly approached to carry out the killing.
The court concluded that the interests of justice did not favour his release, stressing that bail proceedings focus on the likelihood of guilt only insofar as it affects justice and public safety. Sibanyoni will therefore remain in custody as the case proceeds to trial.
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