DJ 'beat, robbed tenant'

2007-05-08 12:01

Walter Ka Nkosi

Nelspruit - An Mpumalanga radio personality has been accused of beating up a former tenant and stealing his possessions when he was unable to pay his rent.

Ligwalagwala FM DJ Thembi Madubandlela, 28, and her two co-accused, Michael Mashinini, 52, and Mfana Sithole, 51, stood trial in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court on Friday and will reappear next week.

They are accused of stealing Raymond Sigawuke's, 25, possessions and assaulting him during an argument over his outstanding rent at the Summerplace apartments in Nelspruit on January 10.

All three pleaded not guilty to charges of theft and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Sigawuke testified that he was relaxing in his flat, which he rented for R3 300 a month, with a friend at about 22:00 when he heard loud banging on the door.

He said he asked his friend to see who it was.

He said that when the door was opened, Mashinini entered first, grabbed him by his trousers and said: "Hey, thief. Why aren't you paying the rent money, where's the money?"

According to the State, Sigawuke's TV, computer printer, a DVD cable and a remote control were stolen.

He told the court that he was punched with fists and beaten with an iron rod behind his left ear.

He said he fell to the ground - his attackers left and warned him they would return if they didn't get the money in the next few days.

Madubandlela, known as "Miss T" to her listeners, presents the Sakha Sive (we are building the nation) programme on Ligwalagwala FM on weekdays between 19:00 and 21:00.

Madubandlela's lawyer said Sigawuke was a "professional crook" whose cheques regularly bounced and who was wasting the court's time.

The DJ denied stealing anything from Sigawuke or assaulting him.

The case was postponed to May 16 for further evidence.

Madubandlela's bail of R500 was extended while Mashinini and Sithole are both out on warning.

- African Eye