Eight years later, a man accused of hiring hitmen who mistakenly killed his sister in law instead of the intended wife finally took the stand detailing everything leading up to the tragic incident. The husband, Enerst Legwale took the court on a blow-by-blow account of the events leading up to the murder incident as the trial resumed this week.
48-year-old Legwale is charged alongside 52-year-old Hamadi Mkhuha for the murder of Thato Meswele aged 35, at Oodi village back on September 10, 2015. In court today, Legwale who was clad in an all-blue suit continued to tell the how he had fallen out with his inlaws leading up to the divorce from his wife. He said it all started when his wife took a loan to build a family home. Legwale said when the loan was eventually approved his now ex-wife used the money without his consent. He recalls how troubles began as a result of the loan usage. He further said when he confronted his wife about the loan money his wife responded, “Kagore loan e e duelwa ke nna mathata a gago ke eng (because I am the one paying off this loan what is your problem?).
He also said he then reported the matter to his in-laws but he never received any assistance. Legwale further denied that he had any motive to kill his wife as the latter alleges. He told the court that he had more money compared to his wife and that she was the one who stood to benefit more upon his demise.
Legwale’s ex wife and in-laws were present in court as her ex-husband made claims against her. Trial continues tomorrow when he is expected to complete his evidence in chief and the cross- examination will start.
Read the full report on our print edition this Friday.
