The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court granted Emmanuel Neverdie Mkhabela (47) and Eckson Jabulani Mkhonto (53) bail of R80 000 each yesterday, June 30. The accused are facing charges of premeditated murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Both are attached to the Integrity Management Unit (IMU) in the Office of the Premier in Mpumalanga. Mkhabela is a protocol manager, while Mkhonto is a vetting officer.

The charges against them relate to the murder of Mabidi Mashaba, a forensic investigator employed by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government.

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“It is alleged that on September 7, 2023, the deceased was travelling from Mpumalanga to his residence in Pretoria,” said Gauteng NPA regional spokesperson Tshegofatso Makhudu. “While driving along Hardy Muller Circle in Villieria, Pretoria, a vehicle allegedly occupied by the two accused pulled alongside the deceased’s vehicle, and multiple shots were fired before the suspects fled the scene.”

She added that following the shooting, the deceased reportedly managed to stop his vehicle and contacted his superiors, informing them that the two accused had shot at him. He was later found by security personnel in the area and transported to the hospital.

Following extensive police investigations, Mkhonto was arrested at a guesthouse in Nkomazi, Mpumalanga, while Mkhabela handed himself over at the Villieria Police Station.

During the bail proceedings, the State opposed the release of both accused, arguing that they are facing serious Schedule 6 offences, that the murder was premeditated, and that, if released on bail, they could interfere with state witnesses who are known to them. Prosecutor Chris Maruma further submitted that Mkhonto is in possession of two identity documents and that Mkhabela poses a flight risk as he regularly travels outside the country.

The court, however, found that it was in the interests of justice to release both accused on bail, subject to conditions, including that they may not directly or indirectly contact any state witnesses.

The matter was postponed to August 6 for allocation of a High Court trial date.