Five men charged with robbery and maliciously damaging property following last Saturday’s spree of violence in Enjindini, were granted bail in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Friday. Three more men accused of having committed a murder on the same day appeared in court yesterday (Monday).
Police spokesman Brig Leonard Hlathi previously explained what led to their arrests. It is alleged that Messrs Benedict Mhlanga, Sipho Mbowane and Boikie Malamba Mokoena had beaten a man to death. According to Hlathi, police found the victim in a critical condition at 06:00. He was taken to hospital, but died shortly after.
According to Hlathi, the homes of those who allegedly killed the man were set alight not long after he had died. Firefighters assigned to extinguish these fires were allegedly attacked by angry community members. “One of the firefighters’ firearm was taken from him,” he said.
According to Barberton police spokesman Serg Kitty Nkosi, police investigated both the murder case and that of the robbery and malicious damage to property that reportedly followed. City of Mbombela ward councillor and lawyer, Mr Mandla Mamba and his co-accused, Messrs Sihle Nkambule, Sabelo Mlotshwa, Themba Mwali and Gift Mnisi were arrested on Saturday at 20:30. The three murder accused were arrested a day later.
“On Friday, Mandla and Mnisi were released on bail of R 10 000 each,” said Barberton police spokesman Serg Kitty Nkosi. “Nkambule, Mlotshwa and Mwali were granted R 500 bail each,” she said. The robbery and malicious damage to property case was postponed to October 13. At time of going to press, the outcome of Monday’s court appearance was not yet available.
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