Woman accused of shooting cop boyfriend dead released on bail

The woman accused of fatally shooting her police officer boyfriend in Mpophomeni was granted R2 000 bail by the Howick Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Sebolelo Khumalo (32), who faces a charge of culpable homicide, made a formal bail application. She allegedly shot and killed Constable Nkosiyethu Mkhize (32), at around 1.45am on Tuesday last week, at Mkhize’s home in the Korea Section of Mpophomeni, Howick.

“It is alleged that there was a domestic dispute between the deceased and the accused,” investigating officer Warrant Officer Goss said in his affidavit. He added that Mkhize was shot with his state-issued firearm. It is further alleged that both the deceased and the accused were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

The deceased sustained one bullet wound to his upper body, which punctured his lung, according to the post-mortem report. “The couple had been in a relationship for three years,” said Goss. Khumalo became visibly emotional during proceedings, breaking down repeatedly as her attorney read out her affidavit.

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In her affidavit, Khumalo told the court she has no previous convictions or pending cases and does not pose a threat to the public. She said she would stand trial and has strong ties to KwaZulu-Natal.

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