THE two suspects who are in police custody in connection with the murder of a learner from a school in the KwaNdengezi area abandoned bail at the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, October 1.

Menzi Prince Mphephethwa Vilakazi, who was arrested for the murder of Siphelele Ngubane (19), was the first in the dock, where he hung his head throughout his brief appearance as the packed court gallery behind him heard that he would be back before the magistrate on November 3.

Nkosinathi Thabethe, who was arrested for the unlawful possession of a firearm suspected to have been used in Ngubane’s murder, was next on the court roll. Thabethe is due back in court on the same day as Vilakazi.

The court heard from the State prosecutor that Vilakazi’s and Thabethe’s matters will eventually be merged into one.

The State also indicated that it is opposed to bail be granted to both the suspects.

Outside court after proceedings, Ngubane’s father, Sthembiso Ngcobo urged the police to act swiftly on the tracing and arrest of a third suspect.

Echoing the calls made by picketers outside the court after proceedings, Ngcobo said that the suspects should not be granted.

“My heart is still in great pain because of the murder of my one and only son,” said Ngcobo, who added that he ultimately hopes that once a guilty party is convicted, they are handed down a life sentence.

THE SAPS have confirmed that on Wednesday, September 23, the KwaNdengezi Police arrested 20-year-old Vilakazi in connection with the murder of  Ngubane who was shot and killed inside the premises of a school in the area. 

KZN SAPS spokesperson Captain Ntathu Ndlovu said Vilakazi was tracked and traced by the police and found in the Zwelibomvu area. 

Also read: Justice call for slain KwaNdengezi learner

“Further investigations are being conducted as the suspect may be linked to two other murder cases, one of which involve a house robbery,” said Ndlovu. 

The police previously said that on the day of the fatal shooting, the victim and the suspect were seen entering the school premises together when the suspect shot the victim several times, and the victim was declared dead at the scene. 

The police also said the suspect wore the same school uniform as Ngubane, who was a pupil at Ndengezi Intermediate School. 

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