Tragic End: EC Doctor Found Deceased Before Sentencing in Shooting Case

In a somber development, Eastern Cape medical practitioner Dr. Sibongile Mphephanduku, who gained notoriety after a 2019 shooting incident, was found dead at her residence in Peddie, a day before she was slated to receive her sentence. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community that esteemed her, especially those whom she served with affordable healthcare for years.

Dr. Mphephanduku, 54, a well-known figure in her small, rural town, was embroiled in a protracted four-year legal battle following an incident that left a man wounded from a gunshot. The man, a 37-year-old alleged to be a friend, was shot with a state-issued firearm belonging to a policewoman who was visiting the doctor.

Events took an ill-fated turn on January 14, 2024, when Dr. Mphephanduku was discovered lifeless in her bedroom, with local residents alerting the police. Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa of the Eastern Cape police confirmed that an inquest docket was opened, stating, "Police were alerted by the community members. A police investigation is underway."

It is of note that the weapon used in the 2019 episode belonged to a policewoman from the Moyeni Police station, who was reportedly at the doctor's home for a social visit. The officer involved has since faced the consequences of this negligence, as confirmed by a high-ranking police source, revealing that she has been discharged from service.

The long-drawn trial was subject to various postponements, including those caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic crisis. Initially, Dr. Mphephanduku had reported her friend for trespassing and unwarranted attention, upon which she then took the drastic action that led to her guilty verdict. Allegations also surfaced regarding a purported failure by the local police to take action when Dr. Mphephanduku initially filed a complaint against the victim.

Dr. Mphephanduku's demise has left many questions unanswered, particularly concerning the legal outcomes and impacts on those involved. The National Prosecuting Authority has yet to deliver comments, with updates pending at the time of this report.

The Peddie community is mourning the loss of a figure who was more than a practitioner - she was a beacon of hope for those unable to afford standard medical care. Dr. Mphephanduku's commitment to service, particularly to the pensioners and less fortunate, is a testament to her dedication and will be a defining aspect of her legacy.

The sorrow surrounding her passing just before her sentencing adds a layer of complexity and tragedy to an already convoluted narrative. As the inquest proceeds, questions abound regarding the circumstances that precipitated this final, fatal chapter in the life of Dr. Sibongile Mphephanduku.