Panga gang released
In her testimony, Hlophe said, since the gang was arrested, the community of Emjindini had a peaceful festive season. Msibi said his business had suffered a profit loss since the gang started to terrorise the community as people were scared to hang out at his bottle store.
The local community was left stunned on Wednesday by the decision of the Barberton Magistrate’s Court following the release of members of the panga gang.
The magistrate, Thulile Mthethwa sentenced them to four months’ imprisonment and fine of R4 000 each, which was wholly suspended for a period of three years.
“From today, if you are found to have breached a law within the next three years, this sentencing will be taken into consideration,” she said.
The five gang members – Cyprian Manda, Skhumbuzo Chauke, Lawrence Mavimbela, Prince Fakude and Surprise Mnisi, spent their first night at home for the first time in 2015 following their arrest on December 21 at Bongani Bottle Store.
They had been found in possession of dangerous weapons, which included pangas and butcher knives.
The owner of Bongani Bottle Store, Million Msibi and Umjindi Municipality councillor, Cllr Mavi Hlophe were among the witnesses who were called state as witnesses by the state in the case.
In her testimony, Hlophe said, since the gang was arrested, the community of Emjindini had a peaceful festive season.
Msibi said his business had suffered a profit loss since the gang started to terrorise the community as people were scared to hang out at his bottle store.
Mthethwa also ruled that the five were unfit to carry firearms in future. “If anyone one of you is in legal possession of a gun or ammunition, he is requested to hand it over to the local police station within the next 14-hours of your release,” she said.
Community members, who has been following the case since it started on January 9, have been staging demonstrations outside the court to oppose bail being granted to the gang. They were dumbfounded by Mthethwa’s decision.
