Mfanukhona Phinda Sifundza, 37, of KaKhuphuka, Eswatini, appeared before Principal Magistrate Donald Mavuso at the Siteki Magistrates Court on Wednesday, charged with murdering Phumzile Hlatjwako, 37, of Luve. The charge relates to an incident on November 2, 2026, at Sikhuphe. Sifundza was arrested at Matsamo Border Gate, where he allegedly intended to leave the country following the incident.
According to a statement presented to court, Sifundza repeatedly struck Hlatjwako with a stick near Sikhuphe Forest while they were returning from a traditional healer. The couple had been experiencing relationship problems involving allegations of infidelity and disagreements over the paternity of their three children. Sifundza claimed he and Hlatjwako had moved to his sister's home near Siteki after he suspected her of having an affair with a neighbour in Matsapha.
Sifundza alleged that Hlatjwako had a close relationship with the neighbour's mother and claimed he had found Hlatjwako and the neighbour together inside the house on several occasions. This led him to question whether he was the father of their three children. On the day of the alleged killing, the couple visited a traditional healer who Sifundza had consulted about what he described as persistent misfortune in his life.
The traditional healer allegedly blamed Sifundza's misfortune on the neighbour's mother. The couple reportedly began arguing about their children's paternity after leaving the traditional healer's home. Sifundza claimed Hlatjwako told him during the argument that the children might not be his. He said he became angry and picked up a stick, which he allegedly used to strike Hlatjwako repeatedly.
According to the statement, Sifundza claimed he stopped assaulting her when she became unresponsive. He said Hlatjwako later asked for water, prompting him to go to a nearby shop to buy her something to drink. While at the shop, Sifundza reportedly met a friend and told him he believed he had killed the mother of his children.
The statement indicates that Sifundza and his friend later returned to the scene, where he said he had left Hlatjwako under a tree with her face covered. Sifundza claimed he subsequently spent the night at his friend's house. The following morning, he allegedly returned home and collected his clothes and those belonging to Hlatjwako before heading towards Matsamo Border Gate.
Sifundza was remanded in custody until November 11, 2026, pending committal of the matter to the High Court. The court advised him of his right to apply for bail. Key issues in the case include Sifundza's alleged admission of beating Hlatjwako with a stick and his claims of marital problems and paternity disputes.
Key points
- The accused, Mfanukhona Phinda Sifundza, allegedly admitted to beating his children's mother, Phumzile Hlatjwako, with a stick.
- The couple had been experiencing relationship problems, including allegations of infidelity and disagreements over the paternity of their three children.
- Sifundza was remanded in custody until November 11, 2026, pending committal of the matter to the High Court.
