TONGA – 30 year-old Mr Mxolisi Shongwe appeared briefly in the Tonga Magistrate’s Court today to make an application for bail.
He stands accused of two charges of murder, rape and robbery, his application for bail was postponed for March 19.
Shongwe was arrested on March 03 in Middelplaas, after detectives had tracked him down in connection with a crime committed last month in Block B on February 17.
Shongwe is accused of the double murder of Mr Andries Sithole and Ms Dalita Mula, a couple who were killed in their sleep.
He also stands accused of robbery and rape, after he and his co-accused also raped the couple’s niece.
Shongwe’s co-accused was brutally killed by angry community members on the day of the crime.
According to eyewitnesses of the arrest, Shongwe confessed to having fled from Block B to his aunt’s place in Middelplaas after he heard that the community was looking for him, and that his co-accused had been murdered by an angry mob.
Police are confident they have the right suspect and a strong case.
According to the local police spokesman, Lt Ntomfuthi Mashiane, Shongwe was arrested by a dedicated task team, and there was enough evidence that linked him to the crime scene.
“The suspect was tracked down in Middelplaas, where he was apprehended, and arrested. He has been charged with the double murder of a couple, robbery and rape. We are confident that we have a strong case, because there is sufficient evidence that links him to the crime scene,” said Mashiane.
Mashiane said they would make more arrests and were investigating a case of vigilantism and murder.
Mashiane said the suspect would remain in police custody until his next court appearance, and they would continue to interrogate him.
