Three more people have been charged in connection with the abduction and murder of Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) lecturer Chanlall Shan Dwarika (62).

This brings the total of accused to five: Sihle Mkhize (25), Siyabonga Maye (35), Kwanele Makhaye (29), Sandile Mkhize (43) and Thobani Mhlongo (23).

All five men appeared at the Durban Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Sihle, Maye, Makhaye and Mhlongo were charged with kidnapping, murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances, while Sandile is accused of obstructing the ends of justice.

The state claimed that Sandile hid his co-accused in his house while he was fully aware that they were wanted for the kidnapping and murder of Dwarika.

MUT lecturer

The MUT electrical engineering lecturer was abducted near Maynard Road, in Sea Cow Lake in Durban, on May 28.

His body was found in bushes in the Inanda area in Durban, on June 3.

CCTV footage captured in the area of his abduction emerged two days later and showed three men confronting Dwarika before forcing him into the rear seat of his vehicle.

Dwarika had been a long-serving staff member who had worked at the institution for more than 26 years.

Sihle and Maye were arrested last week after being traced to an informal settlement in Springfield, after they allegedly used Dwarika’s ATM card to buy alcohol.

The first two accused made their first appearance in court last Tuesday.

In court on Tuesday, Sihle, Maye, Makhaye and Mhlongo abandoned their bail applications, while Sandile applied for bail.

However, the state opposed his application, stating that he could interfere with evidence.

“There is evidence that is still being processed. We believe that if he is released prematurely, he might interfere or move evidence around. We request an adjournment for his bail information to be processed and for the collection of exhibits to be completed,” said state prosecutor Calvin Govender.

An adjournment was granted and the matter was postponed to June 20.

Sandile will be remanded in custody at the Greenwood Park Police Station.