Guardians oppose the release of alleged attackers of Zandile Mojapelo
As bail arguments loom for the two young men accused of shooting Community Guardians leader Zandile Mojapelo, her supporters say they are opposed to their release.
The Alexandra Magistrates’ Court is set to hear bail arguments next week for two young men charged in connection with the shooting of Community Guardians’ provincial leader Zandile Mojapelo, an attack that has shaken the organisation and left its members fearful for their safety.
The suspects made a brief appearance on November 3. Although their defence lawyer said their affidavits are ready, she requested a postponement to November 11 for the formal bail application. Magistrate Syta Prinsloo granted the request.
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Inside the courtroom, benches were filled with members of the Community Guardians, who turned out in numbers to show solidarity with Mojapelo. Their spokesperson, Musa Mabika, made it clear that the organisation is firmly opposed to the suspects’ release on bail. “Our focus at the moment is on ensuring that they do not get bail,” Mabika said, noting that the seriousness of the attack cannot be ignored.
Mojapelo was ambushed and shot on September 6 on 2nd Avenue while delivering reflector vests to patrollers working at a local function. She sustained serious head and leg injuries in the shooting, injuries that have left her unable to walk.
For the Guardians, the arrests of the two suspects brought some relief, but Mabika admitted that fear still lingers. “We are happy that the police acted and made arrests, but the reality is that there is still that fear among our members.”
Several members of the Community Guardians, known for their visible presence in Alexandra through patrols and community safety initiatives, said they are now grappling with the risks that come with their work. “We don’t feel safe at all. I am saying this because crime happens every day in Alexandra and children are often behind these attacks,” said member Itumeleng Mavhungu.
Mavhungu said she was quite shocked to see how young the suspects are. She said this is particularly concerning because the Guardians have noted a troubling trend of young men becoming involved in violent and criminal activities in the community.
The suspects, who have not pleaded and remain innocent until proven guilty, will be remanded in custody until their next appearance next week, when they are expected to make arguments for their release on bail.
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