A Durban school principal accused of killing his wife is pleading with the court to grant him bail, arguing that his health has deteriorated badly during his time in custody.
Khayelihle Dhlomo, 53, was arrested almost a month ago and charged with the murder of his wife, Khanyisile, whose body was found with stab wounds at their Malvern home in 2022. On Friday, he appeared in the Durban magistrate’s court, where he described prison conditions as unbearable for someone in his state of health.
Dhlomo, who suffers from a heart condition and hypertension, told the court that he had not been able to access his regular medication since March. He also complained of untreated diarrhoea and said he had been living with another long-term medical problem that, according to specialists, could develop into cancer if left unchecked.
“I am not getting the medical attention I need,” he told the court, insisting that his ill health should be considered an exceptional circumstance for bail.
Beyond his medical issues, Dhlomo also raised concerns about the food he is served behind bars. He said his special diet required more fruit and protein, but claimed he had only been given basic meals, mostly without meat, and fruit limited to bananas, apples, and grapes. “Throughout my detention I have never been served meat or chicken. Maybe there is a famine in prison,” he said.
Adding to the intrigue of the hearing, Dhlomo revealed that his new partner, Phumzile Kunene — a long-time family friend he has been romantically involved with since his wife’s death — would pay his bail if it were granted.
The prosecution, however, pushed back. They argued that if his medical needs were truly as severe as he claimed, prison authorities would have referred him to major hospitals in Durban. Prosecutors also confronted him with notes allegedly written by his late wife, suggesting he had been abusive when smoking dagga. Dhlomo denied the claims, admitting he had used dagga in the past but insisting he had since stopped.
The courtroom was packed during the hearing, with family members, political supporters, and even Dhlomo’s uncle — former deputy health minister Dr. Sibongiseni Dhlomo — watching closely as the case unfolded.
The bail application continues, as the court weighs his health complaints against the seriousness of the charges he faces.