Jabu Mashamaite and Mswazi James Chuma, two of the four accused of killing anti-corruption activists Vaaltyn Kekana and Ralf Kanyane, were granted bail of R10 000 each in the Limpopo High Court: Polokwane Division on Friday.

The two petitioned the high court after lower courts previously denied them bail.

Polokwane Review previously reported that Kanyane (32) and Kekana (54) were shot after it was believed they wanted to expose tender fraud within the Mogalakwena Municipality.

The two were seated in a vehicle when they were shot at point-blank range by an unknown assailant on July 23, 2019 in Pretorius Street in Mokopane. Both men died on the scene and the shooter fled on foot.

At the time, a high-level investigating team was assembled.

The first accused, Samuel Mokonyane, faces charges of conspiracy to commit a crime, two counts of murder, the unlawful possession of a firearm, as well as the unlawful possession of ammunition.

The other three accused – Mashamaite, Chuma and Frans Mogashwa – face charges of conspiracy to commit a crime as well as two counts of murder.

The family of the deceased, who waited on the next court appearance originally set for February 27, heard through the media that bail had been granted.

A combined statement by the South African National Civic Organisation, Mogalakwena Concerned and Affected Communities, Cosatu and MTT in response to court proceedings last week state that even though the provision for them to attend all court appearances, the latest appearance by the accused was kept ‘a secret’.

“It is known that the (released) accused have political connections, influence and access to money which therefore goes a long way in making things happen, this can include buying freedom for themselves,” the statement continues.

“The Mokopane Magistrate’s Court consistently denied bail for eight months, and the high court in Polokwane also denied them bail until they arranged a secretive bail process. It is therefore conclusive that if you are poor, your life is not of value, like our leaders who died poor because they were fighting for justice against corruption committed by those who are accused of murdering them and their friends.”

The statement added that the people of Mogalakwena will ‘leave no stone unturned until justice is served’, and that ‘the community’s support remains their strength’.

“In seeking answers from both the state and the judiciary, we shall embark on a programme of visiting both institutions,” the statement concluded.