MOSSEL BAY NEWS -  The man accused of killing a young local with big plans to become a businessman and attorney appeared in the Mossel Bay Magistrate's Court last Tuesday, 13 January, on a charge of murder.

Misumzi Nqeku (19), a matriculant of Hillcrest Secondary School who was studying human resources and business studies at the South Cape College, was fatally stabbed on his way home from a friend's late on 1 January.

Yamkela Mgiba (24) was arrested in connection with the incident.

Nqeku's mother, Sithelwa Buti, was at home with his sister, Sinombulelo, when a colleague of Sithelwa's rushed over in the early hours of 2 January to inform them of the stabbing.

Sithelwa immediately rushed out to the scene in Terrence Ndanda Street, Fairview, where she found her son dead.

"I hoped he would wake up, but he was gone," said Sithelwa.

Misumzi Nqeku's sister, Sinombulelo Buti, outside the Mossel Bay Magistrate's Court last week. Photo: Chelsea Pieterse

She said her son had been killed just minutes before midnight, and the Da Gamaskop Police arrived a few minutes after, on 2 January. She said the police had traced and arrested Mgiba almost immediately after arriving on the scene.

Mgiba appeared in court for a bail application on 13 January. His family, friends and the Fairview community members gathered outside the court that morning, calling for the bail to be denied.

The matter was postponed to 28 January.

Sinombulelo said her brother was quiet and humble. She said he loved school, was a hard worker and had big plans for his future. He wanted to become a businessman and attorney.

Sithelwa said the family is heartbroken beyond words. 

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