Court hears two versions on sale of rings, phones

Ntsikelelo Manani, a witness called to corroborate the evidence of an alleged contract killer, was not forthcoming with information yesterday in the East London High Court.

Vuyani Sibanda, Isaac Phiri, Thabiso Mini, Sakhele Magasana and Makhaya Qwala face charges of racketeering, conspiracy to murder and robbery with aggravated circumstances.

Manani, a sixth accused, escaped from police custody in August 2012. After his rearrest in October 2012, he was found guilty of escaping and sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment. He is to be tried separately from the current case.

Earlier this week, Mini testified that he was not involved in a robbery and murder in Fort Beaufort where cellphones and a woman’s seven-piece wedding ring were stolen.

It is not in dispute that Mini sold the items in Mdantsane; however, he denied being involved in the robbery. He said Manani gave him the items to sell on his behalf.

Yesterday, Manani was brought to court especially to corroborate Mini’s version that he gave him the items to sell. While Manani agreed he gave Mini the rings and cellphones to sell, he refused to say where he got them from.

Prosecuting state advocate Zukile Mdolomba said: “I am interested in the source of the rings.” Manani replied: “That is one of the questions I do not wish to answer because I am implicated.”

On Wednesday, Mini told acting Judge Robert Dilizo he was with Manani when he negotiated the price of the rings with a prospective buyer.

Yesterday, Manani told Dilizo that they were not together and that Mini just gave him the proceeds of the sale. Asked about the contradictions, Manani said: “Well, I was not here when he testified.” The trial resumes today.