We owe it society to address contract killings: Nel

We owe it society to address contract killings: Nel

by | Oct 28, 2020

The AfriForum’s Prosecuting Unit’s advocate Gerrie Nel says he is confident that the mastermind behind Senzo Meyiwa’s killing will be arrested soon.

Speaking to the public broadcaster’s Morning Live programme, Nel said: “I have had a briefing on the facts as far as the mastermind is concerned and I am confident that an arrest will soon follow and the police have a good case and I just hope that happens. We don’t owe it not only to the family but to society as well to deal with contract killings.”

Drama marked the first court appearance of the five men accused of the crime.

The suspects initially refused to enter the dock, citing innocence.

They appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate Court on Tuesday.

The suspects said they did not understand why they were in court and one of them even accused the Police Minister of not respecting their Constitutional Rights.

Another disputed the police’s claims that they were arrested on Monday morning.

Police top brass, including Minister Bheki Cele, had made the claim.

The suspects’ names are Muzikawulahlelwa Sibiya, Bongani, Ntanzi, Mthobisi Mncube, Mthokosizi Maphisa and Sifis’kuhle Ntuli.

They are facing charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

One of them is said to be Meyiwa’s shooter.

“The court appearance of the accused follows a decision to prosecute the five by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Gauteng Division, Pretoria on Wednesday last week. This decision was based on voluminous credible evidence presented by the SAPS’ investigating team. Thus, the DPP was satisfied that there was sufficient evidence for the police to arrest the five suspects and face the three charges,” the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says in a statement.

The prosecuting authority also anticipates more arrests.

The suspects will remain behind bars until their next court appearance, which is scheduled for the 27th of next month.

Meyiwa was killed on the 26th of October in 2014, while visiting the home of his girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo, in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni.

A leaked document has linked her to the murder.

Khumalo has repeatedly denied having a hand in the late Bafana Bafana captain’s death.

Gandlanani mob justice suspects remanded in custody

Gandlanani mob justice suspects remanded in custody

by | Oct 21, 2020

The Gandlanani Village mob justice case in Giyani, Limpopo, has been postponed to next week Tuesday.

Police Spokesperson Brigadier Motlalefa Mojapelo says police initially arrested 23 locals for vigilantism and mob justice on Sunday.

While Mojapelo yesterday told Local Voices that 21 suspects were due in court, he says only 20 appeared.

“Three were released after failure to link them to the crime,” he says.

The suspects, who appeared in the Giyani Magistrate Court, have been remanded in custody.

They face charges of murder, public violence, arson and malicious damage to property.

The accused allegedly assaulted and burnt a businessman blamed for the disappearance of 25-year-old Mahlori Maluleka.

The community had apparently consulted with a local sangoma, who blamed the deceased and two of his employees for the teenager’s disappearance.

According to Giyani News, the police took the traditional healer in for questioning yesterday and was later released.

Police have condemned the community’s actions.

3 suspects shot dead in Sandton burglary gone wrong

3 suspects shot dead in Sandton burglary gone wrong

by | Oct 14, 2020

Three suspected criminals have been shot and killed following a high-speed shootout in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Police and a private security company responded to a housebreaking in the area this morning.

The suspects were cornered at the intersection of Magonia street and Lilium street, Marlboro.

Sandringham police spokesperson Warrant Officer Lebusa says a shoot out ensued between police and suspects.

One of them was arrested.

Stolen property has been recovered as well as two firearms and vehicle that had been reported stolen.