Video: Newark family murder-accused abandon bail as protests erupt outside court
Three men face multiple charges including kidnapping and robbery following a mass killing in KZN that claimed the lives of seven people last week.
The three men accused of murdering seven members of the Monswamy family abandoned their bail applications in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court today, reports the North Coast Courier.
Linda Blessing Mthiyane (28), Bongumenzi Mpungose (26) and Mthandeni Luyanda Mthiyane (21) appeared in connection with the kidnapping and murder of the Newark-based family and other relatives last week.
They face charges of housebreaking with intent to rob, robbery with aggravating circumstances, seven counts of murder and seven counts of kidnapping.
Mpungose faces an additional charge of rape, while Luyanda Mthiyane is also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.
The case was postponed to June 23 for further investigation.
The state said it requires time to finalise key evidence, including post-mortem reports for all seven victims, ballistic analysis, DNA testing and outstanding witness statements.
The court did not confirm whether accused one and three, who share the surname Mthiyane, are related.
State advocate Paul Nel requested that the accused be remanded at KwaDukuza Prison to assist the investigating officer.
However, Magistrate M Naidoo ordered that they be held at Westville Prison, citing the matter’s national profile and the facility’s greater capacity and resources.
KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, who attended proceedings, criticised delays caused by a legal dispute over media access.
The matter was held up for more than an hour while arguments were heard on whether cameras should be allowed in court.
“The accused didn’t hide their faces when they committed these crimes,” said Ntuli, suggesting that laws protecting the identities of accused persons should be reviewed.
Media were ultimately permitted to photograph the accused, but were instructed to conceal their faces.
An earlier proposal included withholding their names.
Inside the courtroom, relatives of the deceased filled the public gallery.
Outside, a large, politically affiliated crowd gathered in protest, calling for bail to be denied and justice to be served.
Police maintained a strong presence, including members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Public Order Police (POP).
Watch video here:
@northcoastcourier Hundreds of people are protesting outside the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court this morning, where the three men accused of murdering a Newark family of seven are scheduled to appear. #LocalNews #NorthCoastCourier
♬ original sound – northcoastcourier – northcoastcourier
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