Flabba's girlfriend takes the stand
A frail-looking Sindisiwe Manqele, accused of stabbing hip hop artist Nkululeko "Flabba" Habedi to death, has taken the stand in the High Court sitting in Randburg.
For the first time since her murder trial started earlier this month, Manqele removed her headscarf, exposing her face.
Manqele started by telling the court she had a good relationship with Habedi's mother and daughter, Lesedi, as well as the slain rap star.
"We had a very close relationship. We were on good terms," she told the court in an Irish accent.
The 26-year-old Manqele spent several years studying and working in Spain and Ireland.
She told the court she returned from Ireland to South Africa on December 24 and she lived with Habedi.
Manqele was due to return to Ireland when she allegedly stabbed Habedi and was arrested for his murder.
Habedi's brother and mother, who usually occupy the back of the courtroom, sat in the first and second row of the court gallery. His mother placed her hand on her chin and gazed at Manqele as she gave her testimony.
Manqele allegedly stabbed Habedi in the heart in March at his Alexandra home.
She has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge against her, claiming it was self defence.
(File photo: Gallo Images)