Durban lawyer's murder case transferred to High Court as family seeks justice

The family of a Durban lawyer who was brutally killed at her home in July says they are feeling hopeful after the case was transferred to the Durban High Court for trial.

Thandokuhle Sishi (née Mkhize), 48, from Woodhaven, was allegedly stabbed several times by her husband, Durban Metro Police officer Senior Constable Qiniso Sishi, on the night of July 26.

Sishi, 40, who abandoned his bail application shortly after his arrest in August, appeared briefly in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The matter was postponed to November 27 and transferred to the Durban High Court, signalling that investigations might be completed and the case is now trial-ready.

The deceased’s sister, Khumbuzile Mkhize, told Isolezwe, the Sunday Tribune’s sister newspaper, that the family is satisfied with the pace at which the matter is progressing.

“We are happy that it has now been moved to the High Court. This shows progress. We will now wait to see how the trial unfolds,” said Mkhize.

She said the family remains deeply concerned about Sishi’s teenage daughter, who is currently writing her matric exams.

“The killing of her mother hurt her deeply. She’s a bright child, but we worry about how this tragedy might affect her results,” Mkhize said.

She added that the girl remains committed to her studies, despite the emotional toll.

“She never imagined writing her final exams without her mother’s support. She’s doing her best, and she continues with therapy on weekends to help her cope,” she said.

Mkhize also noted a change in the accused’s demeanour during recent court appearances.

“He no longer smirks or laughs sarcastically at us like before. Now he just walks in with his head down and leaves the same way,” she said.

According to police reports, on the night of the incident the couple had been out separately with friends. Thandokuhle returned home first. When her husband arrived later, an argument broke out after he woke her, which ended with him allegedly stabbing her multiple times.

It has since emerged that the accused was previously linked to another murder case involving a woman who died several years ago at a hangout spot. It remains unclear how that matter was concluded, but his service pistol was reportedly confiscated following that incident.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE