Accused number one in the extramarital affair murder of a neighbour, Sibongiseni Johannes Mbhele, has through his lawyer, asked for a psychological assessment citing a history of mental illness, a claim his neighbours, the Celes, reject. The matter has been adjourned for March 4, 2026 at the Pinetown Magistrates’ Court. The man accused of killing his neighbour over an alleged extramarital affair with his wife has been accused by the victim’s family of using delaying tactics after requesting a psychological evaluation.
Sibongiseni Mbhele of Koffie Farm in KwaNdengezi, along with co-accused Bongumusa Mkhonto and Siboniso Phungula, appeared before the Pinetown Magistrates Court this week in connection with the murder of 34-year-old Kholwani Cele. Cele was killed on October 23, 2025, and his body tied to a rock on his back, was allegedly dumped in the uMngeni River.Cele went missing after leaving work in Northdene, Queensburgh, prompting his family to appeal to the public for assistance in locating him. Mbhele later handed himself over to the Mariannhill Police Station, where he reportedly confessed to killing Cele with the help of his two co-accused.
During court proceedings, Mbhele, through his legal representative, requested that he undergo a psychological evaluation, citing a history of mental health challenges. However, the deceased’s brother, Sibonelo Cele, dismissed the request as a calculated attempt to delay the trial. “He is pretending.
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We believe this is part of his plan after what he did. He wants the case delayed and to distract public attention,” said Cele. He disputed claims that Mbhele has a history of mental illness, describing him instead as intelligent and methodical.
“H He took his time planning this murder, starting to befriend Kholwani about two months before killing him. He was a teetotaller but began drinking alcohol to gain proximity to my brother, who drank,” Cele said. According to Cele, Mbhele began frequenting their home, often bringing alcohol to drink with the deceased.
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