The Acornhoek magistrate’s court postponed the bail hearing for businessman Sidwell “Tshep Tshep” Khoza, accused of killing two men over RAF payouts, as angry Saselani villagers shouted for justice outside the courthouse. Pictures Credits: Mapulaneng News
By Duncan Mnisi
Bushbuckridge – The Acornhoek Magistrate’s Court on Thursday halted proceedings in the high-profile double-murder case that has left the Bushbuckridge community anxious and divided.
Sidwell Khoza — widely known as “Tshep Tshep” — a taxi magnate, bottle-store owner and mortuary operator from Buyisonto Village, was expected to appear for his bail application. Instead, the matter was postponed to 10 December to allow his legal team more time to prepare.
Khoza is accused of murdering Xihlamariso Sambo and Kenneth Nkuna, both from Saselani Village, in a dispute prosecutors say was linked to Road Accident Fund (RAF) payouts. The two men were allegedly shot dead in a confrontation that has left tensions running high in the area.
Outside the courthouse, Saselani residents gathered with placards, demanding that Khoza be denied bail. “We won’t feel safe until he’s behind bars,” said one protester, who asked not to be named. “If the court lets him walk free, it sends a message that you can kill for money and get away with it.”
Court officials confirmed the postponement but declined to give further details. The case is set to resume on 10 December, when a formal bail ruling is expected. If convicted, Khoza could face life imprisonment — a sentence many community members believe is necessary to bring closure to the families of Sambo and Nkuna.
Provincial authorities have pledged to strengthen oversight procedures, but the tragedy in Saselani underscores the human cost when systems fail.
As the community awaits the next court date, all eyes in Bushbuckridge remain on Acornhoek, hoping for swift justice and that the memories of Xihlamariso Sambo and Kenneth Nkuna will be honoured, not forgotten.
