Thandi Maqubela cleared of husband's murder but still faces fraud charge
The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has overturned Thandi Maqubela's murder conviction on Friday, finding her not guilty.
Maqubela was sentenced to an effective 18 years behind bars by the Western Cape High Court in March 2015 for murdering her husband, forging his will and then fraudulently trying to pass it off as an authentic document. Her late spouse, acting Judge Patrick Maqubela, was found dead at a Bantry Bay apartment in 2009.
EWN reporter Rahima Essop tells Afternoon Drive host Bongani Bingwa that while many may be shocked at the news her lawyers have always maintained her innocence.
During the trial at the Western Cape High Court the courts accepted the narrative that Maqubela killed her husband because of his cheating.
Rahima Essop, EWN reporter
Essop reports that there was never conclusive medical evidence confirming the cause of death. She further adds that the prosecutors believed that the late acting Judge was suffocated.
Maqubela always maintained that she did not kill her husband and that he had died from natural causes explains Essop.
The court relied heavily on the circumstantial evidence and her shifty behaviour throughout the trial. There was evidence that showed she was in possession of her late husband's cellphone which she used to send messages from. The court also found she was disingenuous.
Rahima Essop, EWN reporter
Essop says Maqubela's lawyer is pleased with the outcome of the appeal and is happy for his client's daughters who have been put through a great deal of distress from the trial.
Essop adds Maqubela remains behind bars because she was also charged with fraud after being found to have forged her husband's will and given a three-year jail sentence for that crime.
Listen to the EWN report here:
More from Local

Stage 2 loadshedding to continue on Monday, says Eskom
The power utility said its systems remained constrained and vulnerable.
Read More
South Africa's COVID-19 death toll passses 37K as 254 people die
The Department of Health also announced that 12, 267 people contracted the virus in the last 24 hours.
Read More
Tributes pour in for veteran Ukhozi FM broadcaster Welcome 'Bhodloza' Nzimande
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala says his passing marks the end an incomparable era in the history of broadcasting.
Read More
Crooked people will always find a way, says Ramaphosa on PPE corruption
He said in spite of their best efforts, some linked to the governing party threw away the rule book when it came to acquiring PPEs.
Read More
EXCLUSIVE: ‘I want arrests’ - Enock Mpianzi’s mother a year after his death
The grade 8 Parktown Boys’ High pupil drowned when his makeshift raft capsized in the Crocodile River in Brits.
Read More
Brian Molefe says Glencore sold to Ramaphosa for political gain
Former Eskom CEO is giving testimony at the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.
Read More
Formal rape case opened against DJ Fresh and Euphonik
Earlier this week, a woman took to Twitter, accusing DJ Fresh and Euphonik of drugging and raping her in 2011.
Read More
Ramaphosa: Treasury will make sure money is available for COVID-19 vaccine
President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the country would get 20 million vaccines from a variety of suppliers including Pfizer, AstraZeneca as well as Johnson & Johnson.
Read More
[WATCH] 2021 school year delayed by 2 weeks, schools will reopen on 15 February
Deputy Minister of Basic Education Reginah Mhaule says Council of Education Minister and Cabinet has taken this decision.
Read More
Schools should not force parents to procure branded masks - Comp Commission
Divisional Manager at the Commission Khanyisa Qobo says schools should create a procurement regime that is considerate of costs.
Read More