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File image | A framed picture of Hillary Gardee.
The Hillary Gardee murder trial has been postponed to the 12th of next month in the Mpumalanga High Court sitting in Mbombela. This is the fifth postponement of the trial.
The reasons the court has cited include allowing the accused, Rassie Nkune, to secure a new legal aid lawyer after he dismissed Advocate Kekana Malesela, due to a breakdown in their relationship.
Nkune has since reunited with his former legal representative, Advocate Musa Mavasa, who will take over from Malesela.
Judge Lindiwe Vukeya says Nkune needs time to consult with his new lawyer before the trial begins.
“This case is postponed to 12 December 2025. It is to allow you to consult with your attorney in preparation for the forthcoming trial. On the 12th of December, the court will conduct a pre-trial conference with both the state and the defence, even though I may not be doing the trial. I don’t know which judge will be doing the trial, but I would like to get it ready for the judge. So, that on day one when the matter appears before the judge, it is ready to start,” says Judge Vukeya.
♦️Happening Today ♦️
The trial for the murder of Hilary Gardee resumes today at the Mbombela High Court.
May justice be served, not just for Hilary, but for every woman silenced by gender-based violence and ignored by the state.#JusticeForHilaryGardee pic.twitter.com/gI7m77vnpW
— @Mpumalanga _EFF (@MpumalangaEff) November 18, 2025
