The fifth suspect in the South Hills murder case was noticeably absent when the other four suspects appeared in the Booysens Magistrate’s Court on March 30.

Instead, his aunt appeared in the dock in his place. The case was temporarily postponed to April 2 because the docket was not available in court.

After Magistrate Habib extended bail for accused one to four, she then retained the aunt of the fifth suspect in the dock.

The aunt promised the court that she would look after him, as it was established that the fifth accused, who is a minor, had been released into her custody after his mother said she could not control him.

According to the aunt, she last saw him on March 5 and does not know his whereabouts.

As a result, Habib found the aunt guilty of negligence and in contempt of court. She was sentenced on the spot to 10 days in prison or a R1 000 fine. She opted to pay the fine.

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