MBABANE – Mbabane Highlanders winger Thando Nkosikhona Dube will not plead guilty to a murder charge at the High Court of Eswatini in Mbabane.
Represented by attorney Martin N Dlamini, Dube sought bail following his arrest in connection with the death of his neighbour and regional soccer player Nkosikhona Gcina Fakudze, who was buried at Nkambeni outside Buhleni this past weekend.
bail
In his bail application, Dube averred that on the evening of June 14, 2025, he and Fakudze, residents of KaBen in the Manzini District, went drinking at a local establishment. While walking home, an argument over local football teams escalated, with Fakudze insisting Dube join his preferred team, while the latter favoured his uncle’s team. The accused alleged that Fakudze threw stones at him, and the two parted ways. Later that night, Dube alleged, Fakudze, armed with a knife, attacked him.
In a struggle to disarm him, he said he accidentally stabbed the deceased’s left arm. Recognising the injury’s severity, Dube claimed he bandaged the wound, arranged transport to Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital in Manzini, and notified Fakudze’s relatives. Doctors declared Fakudze dead upon arrival. Dube surrendered to Mliba Police Station, where he was arrested and charged with murder.
These are allegations in an affidavit whose veracity will be tested in court.
Detained at the Manzini Remand Centre, Dube maintained the stabbing was accidental and in self-defence, arguing there was insufficient evidence for a murder conviction. During the bail application, Dlamini invoked Section 16(7) of Eswatini’s Constitution of 2005, citing exceptional circumstances, including Dube’s chronic health condition, worsened by overcrowded and inhumane conditions at the remand centre.
Yesterday, the High Court granted bail set at E15 000, with E3 000 payable in cash and the remainder covered by additional surety.
As an unemployed footballer reliant on parental support, Dube emphasised his role as a breadwinner for his dependents, noting that prolonged detention would cause irreparable harm.
The state’s economic challenges, limiting medical supplies in custody, further supported the bail request.
relocating
Dube undertook to comply with court conditions, including relocating from his parental home to avoid Fakudze’s family, refraining from violent offences and attending all court proceedings.
His family raised E2 000 toward the cash bail requirement. Dube awaits trial, steadfast in his not guilty plea, with the court to determine further conditions as the case proceeds. The matter is before High Court Judge Justice Mavuso.
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