SIKAKADZA DIES IN SUSPECTED BUGANU POISONING

SIPHOCOSINI – Shock and suspicion grip the Siphocosini community following the sudden death of their leader  Sikakadza Matsebula, former Speaker of the House of Assembly and local indvuna, has passed away under circumstances that suggest possible poisoning, leaving Siphocosini in mourning and demanding answers. Born on February 8, 1958, Matsebula celebrated his birthday with friends and family, indulging in marula brew (buganu) and Castle Lager at his homestead.

According to eyewitness accounts, the fateful day began with Matsebula attending a meeting at Siphocosini High School, where he appeared in good health and high spirits. Residents noted that after the meeting, he visited a local shopping complex, where he purchased roast chicken (known to many as chicken dust) and drinks for his children before returning home to watch a much-anticipated soccer match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

Relaxed

The residents recounted a relaxed atmosphere at Matsebula’s home, where he shared drinks with friends. Reports indicate that he poured marula brew into a one-litre jar, yet some friends are unsure if he drank any in their presence. However, it is alleged that he took a sip while playing with a child during the soccer game. Later that evening, individuals close to Matsebula reported that he started to complain of pains in the stomach.

Family members recounted their harrowing experience when they were alerted that Matsebula was struggling to breathe at around 3am. The family said they rushed him to Mbabane Government Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.  His family members are now grappling with shock and grief, with his brother, Vikimphi, expressing concern over unverified speculations and the need for a thorough investigation into the former Speaker’s sudden demise.

“We have nothing much to say for now because we are still shocked. We hope the police will leave no stone unturned to get to the bottom of the matter,” Vikimphi said. In the wake of the tragedy, local residents have expressed their scepticism regarding the cause of Matsebula’s death, calling for meticulous investigations.  Some believe he may have been poisoned, drawing attention to instances in which Matsebula allegedly received threats to his life.

Poisoned

Local accounts indicate that he had previously survived attempts on his life, including physical assaults by men, who explicitly declared their intentions to kill him and an incident where he was presented with poisoned marula, which fortunately he did not consume. The police have taken the remaining marula brew, along with the jar and empty beverage containers, for forensic analysis, emphasising their commitment to uncovering the truth behind Matsebula’s death. As the community waits for answers, the residents are calling for testimonies of those who were with Matsebula to piece together his final movements and clarify what transpired on that fateful night. In the community marked by grief, the hopes for justice and clarity loom large, as the tragic story of Matsebula echoes in the hearts of those who knew him and the community at large.

His former colleagues registered their shock over his sudden death.“This is news to me. I am not aware of Matsebula’s demise. Condolences to his family, community and the country at large since he once served as a Speaker of the House of Assembly,” said Sigayoyo Magongo, who succeeded him in the same position when he joined politics in the eighth Parliament.
Magongo described Matsebula as a down-to-earth man, who availed himself of help at any time. He said as someone new in politics, he used to rely on proceedings of the previous Parliament to learn how Matsebula directed the House. “He was a people’s person. He was concerned about my job as a Speaker even after quitting politics,” Magongo said briefly.  

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: