Ngombane's wife takes the stand

The widow of former political adviser Noby Ngombane took the stand to testify in the Bloemfontein High Court today after the inquest magistrate overturned her defence's application that she, together with her relatives, should not provide oral evidence.

Giving evidence, Nokwanda Ngombane told the court that she believes her husband was killed by his political enemies. Ngombane was shot dead in March 2005.

The court had adjourned temporarily to give the magistrate and her team, including witnesses, a chance to visit Ngombane’s house for a reenactment of the murder scene.

Quoting several newspaper articles, which reported on Ngombane's death, Nokwanda asked the court to widen its investigation and interrogate issues around her husband's political life.

Relating the events on the night of her husband's murder, Nokwanda said she was seated in the lounge with Ngombane and her relatives at about 20.30pm when one of her sisters heard the car hooter outside. Nokwanda said they were watching the Ray Charles movie at that time.

She said Ngombane left the lounge but nobody noticed where he went. A few seconds later they heard gunshots and they saw him stumbling back into the house from the door. He fell on the kitchen floor. She then called the police emergency services and then rushed him to the hospital.

The inquest continues tomorrow when she will be cross examined.