The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it will be opposing bail and cannot rule out if the state will be adding further charges against the couple arrested in connection with the murders of two Soweto boys.

The 50-year-old Nqobile Ndlovu and her partner, 39-year-old Mthunzi Zulu, made a brief appearance when they appeared in the Protea Glen Magistrate’s Court, where the matter was postponed to Friday.

The court heard the bail applications of both accused in a full courtroom with both families present for the first time after they laid the boys to rest over a week ago.

The pair are charged with two counts of murder, kidnapping, perjury, and defeating the ends of justice in the case related to Tshiamo Rabanye (6) and Nqobizitha Zulu (5).

Ndlovu, who is the grandmother of Tshiamo, had previously indicated that she wanted to apply for a private attorney. She has revealed that she has now opted for a state attorney.

The lawyer asked for the case to be postponed to Friday so the legal application for the two accused could be processed.

Zulu has acquired legal representation from Legal Aid.

Meanwhile, chaotic scenes unfolded outside as community members demanded access to the courtroom.

NPA spokesperson Phindile Mjondongwana, says both accused face charges of a serious nature.

“Investigations are not yet complete. Work still continues, and we are still awaiting DNA results, among other things we are currently busy with.

“Once investigations are conducted, we will decide whether the matter will be pursued in the high court or the local court. That is up to the office of the director of the NPA in which forum the matter should be heard,” she says.

Mjondongwana adds that, while investigations are still ongoing, the NPA believes the state has a strong case against the pair. We do have overwhelming evidence against both accused.

“But we wait for investigations to continue, and we will await what those investigations reveal. At this point, as the NPA, we will be opposing applications and we cannot rule out if the state will be adding further charges,” she concludes.

Both accused will remain in custody.