MBABANE – Mbabane Highlanders player Thando Dube was released from Manzini Remand Centre yesterday after nine distressing days in custody.
His interim freedom came after a bail hearing, where strict conditions were imposed.
He is facing a murder charge following the fatal stabbing of a regional soccer player identified as Gcina Fakudze. Thando’s bail, set at E12 000, required a cash deposit of E3 000 with the remainder as surety. Despite appearing at the High Court in Mbabane by 9am, his release was delayed until 1:30pm due to clerical procedures.
The Highlanders winger arrived at the remand centre in a police van earlier in the day, followed by his distraught father, Themba Dube and the club’s General Manager, Mandla Simelane.
At the centre, they were met by warders who confirmed Thando’s impending release.
His father proceeded to submit the necessary paperwork.
While waiting, the manager expressed his sorrow over the incident, hoping for justice.
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He was joined by Highlanders Assistant Coach Vusisizwe Mahlalela and supporter Nomfundo ‘Mercy’ Nhlengetfwa.
They spoke of Thando’s talent and offered condolences to the Fakudze family.
Just before 1:30pm, Thando emerged, looking solemn and after signing final documents, entered the manager’s car with his father. Assistant Coach Mahlalela and his friend offered words of encouragement.
Thando confessed to suffering from sleepless nights and flashbacks of the incident.
He was arrested on June 14, implicated in the fatal stabbing of his Ben United teammate, Fakudze, following an altercation.
Thando is alleged to have inflicted a fatal wound to Fakudze’s arm. He has been charged with murder and his case is awaiting its court date.
After leaving the centre, he was met by family members at Bhunu Mall in Manzini. Despite his release, Thando faces stringent bail conditions, including weekly reporting to a police station, surrendering all travel documents, restricted movement, non-contact orders with victims or witnesses and residing at a specified address.
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