MIDDELBURG – The Magagula family from Mhluzi Extension 3 is grappling with shock and unanswered questions following the tragic death of their beloved son, Sibusiso “Sbuda” Magagula.
Sibusiso (32), an employee at the Solid Waste Department of the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, died on the afternoon of Sunday, April 27, after he was allegedly stabbed by his girlfriend during a quarrel over his bank card. He died on the scene in Dikgwale Street, reportedly after waiting hours for an ambulance.
“I don’t understand what kind of girlfriend would do something like this. They really loved each other, which makes it hard to believe she took his life,” said a neighbour who asked to remain anonymous.
“We heard she forcefully demanded his ATM card, and that’s when the argument turned violent.”
Described as a friendly and dedicated worker, Sibusiso was well loved by colleagues and the community.
“We lost a soldier and a comrade. He did his job without complaining and could relate to everyone,” said Sarel Vilakazi, a colleague.
The family is battling to come to terms with his sudden death. Speaking to the Highveld Chronicle, Thokozani Magagula, Sibusiso’s brother, said they were still trying to process what had happened.
“It still hasn’t sunk in that Sbuda is no more,” he said.
What makes the tragedy even harder for the family is that Sibusiso’s girlfriend had been fully accepted by them.
“Just two days before it happened, they spent the night at my place, as they often did. Sbuda loved her kids and had formed a strong bond with them,” Thokozani recalled.
“He brought the kids to my son’s eighth birthday party on the 4th of April. She joined us later that evening after work. That’s how close we had all become.”
“She didn’t just fatally wound Sbuda – she left a wound on this family that may never heal.”
Sibusiso was laid to rest on Saturday, 3 May. He is survived by his brothers, Thokozani and Phumlani, and both his parents.
A 30-year-old suspect, Mbali Sindane, was arrested on the day of the incident by Mhluzi SAPS. She appeared in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, April 29, facing a charge of murder. However, she chose to withdraw her bail application for reasons known only to her. The case has been postponed to May 29, for further investigation.
IMG_0322: Sibusiso Magagula lost his life after allegedly being stabbed by his partner during an argument over his bank card.
