"Let's see if you can overcome a gun," these words echoed through the Grahamstown High Court as the late Oscar Dondashe's girlfriend testified about the events which led to his murder last year.
"Let's see if you can overcome a gun," these words echoed through the Grahamstown High Court as the late Oscar Dondashe's girlfriend testified about the events which led to his murder last year.
Xolelwa Saku who was present when Dondashe was allegedly shot and killed by Zolani Myeki on 12 July 2009 at V Street in Tantyi, told the court that when Myeki said those words he pulled the trigger, hitting Dondashe in the head and killing him instantly.
Saku told the court that she and Dondashe were on their way home from Dinangwe Tavern in Tantyi when the incident occurred. She said as they were walking along V Street they saw two men who were singing prison gang songs following them.
"Oscar said I should run and leave him behind but I told him that I am going nowhere, I will walk with him. One of them had his hand in his pocket and the other one had his hand on his waist as if he was reaching for something," added Saku.
She said when she and Dondashe started running, the two men chased them, caught up and stopped in front of them. Saku said it was at that point that Myeki said these words "let's see if you can overcome a gun" to Dondashe before shooting him.
"They said I must give them my phone and I did, they searched Oscar while he was lying down and took his wallet, they also took my earrings and engagement ring. He(Myeki) also pointed the gun at me saying that I must die because I'm going to be a witness," said Saku.
She added that the other assailant told Myeki that they should go as the police were approaching. Saku said the culprits told her to lie down with her face on the ground as they made away with Dondashe's cellphone and her handbag.
Saku said she went to Dondashe's friend's house where she called for help. The case's investigating officer also gave an account of what he witnessed at the crime scene. Inspector Melekile Mame said he saw an empty 9mm bullet cartridge next to the deceased when he arrived.
He thereafter went to Myeki's house and found a teenager who did not appear to be linked to the case. Mame said he entered a room at the back of the main house, searched and found an ID book with bank cards belonging to Mthetheleli Ngqulu, a local soldier.
Ngqulu had been mugged and stabbed seven days before Dondashe's murder by four men. His ID, money and bank cards were taken from him by four men including Myeki. Ngqulu also testified at the High Court yesterday about his mugging. Mame further searched Myeki's room where he found another ID book and dagga.
When he questioned Myeki about the ID he said it belonged to his sister. It was later established that the ID belonged to Bongani Majiza a man who had also been stabbed and mugged on July 4 2009.
Inspector Mame arrested Myeki on the spot. Since then he has appeared for bail at the Magistrates Court. However, he asked to remain in custody because he feared the community. The presiding judge, Justice Nomathamsanqa Beshe said she would grant the defence attorney an opportunity to consult with his client, the trial continues today.
