R1000 bail for suspect in Cato Manor police officer's fatal stabbing

One of the four people accused in the murder of Cato Manor police officer Sergeant Mondli Gabisa has been released on R1000 bail.

Gabisa, 39, was stabbed several times on the night of November 8 while socialising with his wife and friends in Cato Manor.

The accused; Thalente Griffiths Cele, 42, Philani Mhlongo, 29, Minenhle Amahle Cele, 20, a Grade 12 learner, and Nadia Shezi, 25, were arrested in connection with the incident.

The Celes and Mhlongo face charges of murdering the off-duty officer, while Shezi was charged with assaulting Gabisa’s wife.

Prosecutor Calvin Govender told the court that the State will oppose bail for the three accused facing the murder charge, citing the seriousness of the offence. However, the State would not oppose bail for Shezi.

Govender alleged that Shezi had slapped Gabisa’s wife during the altercation but was also assaulted during the incident. When the magistrate asked who had assaulted Shezi, Govender replied that it was the deceased officer.

He told the court that a verbal dispute between Gabisa’s wife and another woman escalated when Gabisa intervened, allegedly assaulting the woman. A physical confrontation followed, culminating in the fatal stabbing.

“It is important to note that alcohol was involved in this incident,” Govender said.

The magistrate granted Shezi bail and warned her not to contact Gabisa’s wife in any form; including phone calls, face-to-face interaction, or communication via social media platforms such as WhatsApp or Facebook.

The matter was adjourned for 28 November, allowing the three remaining accused time to submit bail applications. Shezi was also ordered to return to court on that date.

Gabisa will be laid to rest on Saturday, 22 November, in his hometown of Seaview in the Eastern Cape. Gabisa's body was found by his colleagues from Cato Manor police station where he was based when they were out on a routine patrol. He had his personal pistol with him.

Gabisa had recently married his wife, Simphiwe, and his death comes just a year after his sister, Zizipho “Ntuntu” Gabisa (29), and her friend, Anele Mbokazi (30), were shot dead in Kenville, Durban.

Their killer, Lungani Mthethwa, was sentenced to life imprisonment, while his accomplice, Sandile Chili, was acquitted after cooperating with authorities.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE