Metro cop killers’ bail hearing postponed

Paul Manyathela, 23, Clement Mosweu, 26, Lebogang Mdebele, 24, and Bheki Nkosi, 25, all appeared in the court to apply for bail, Kempton Express reported.

The suspects are accused of murdering Ekhuruleni Metro Police officer Martiens Bann on Saturday, July 11, just after 1pm, as he attempted to assist his neighbours during a house robbery.

A few Kempton Park community members stood outside the court holding up placards to display their support against bail for the suspects.

“Hang them”, “No bail” and “Bring back the death penalty”, read some of the placards.

Bann’s daughter-in-law was the only family member who attended the court case. Wearing a black jersey with white stripes, she kept shaking her head throughout the proceedings.

The bail hearing was then postponed to August 12, as one of the accused’s new lawyer was not ready. The accused had changed from a private lawyer to a state lawyer on the day.

Sebenza CPF executive chairperson, Andrew Mosesi, said outside court they supported the rule of law and processes and the innocent-until-proven-guilty decree but added the community would stand together as a collective against the bail application.

“It’s important that as a community we stand up against crime. In Kempton Park we are going to stand together and deal with crime. We want to send a message to the criminals that if you’re going to touch one person in the community, then you’re touching us all,” he said.

The suspects have been charged with house robbery, murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and a stolen motor vehicle. They will remain in custody until their next appearance.

– Caxton News Service