Newcastle Mayor expected to appear in court today

The mayor of Newcastle, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba is expected to appear in the Madadeni Regional Court today.

July 9, 2019

Newcastle Advertiser 1 minute read

Newcastle Municipality Mayor, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba addresses his supporters outside court, after his murder case was postponed, on May 28.

UPDATE: Will mayor’s murder charges be dropped?

The mayor of Newcastle, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba is expected to appear in the Madadeni Regional Court today in connection with the murder charge he is facing with regards to the assassination of ANCYL leader, Wandile Ngobeni.

Yesterday, Philani Thwala made his first court appearance before the Newcastle Magistrates Court in connection with the murders of Martin Sithole and Buthanani Shange.

The court room was packed with friends and family members of the late Sithole and Shange.

The Magistrate, Kamlesh Gurlal, asked if Philani would be seeking legal aid or employing the services of a private attorney.

Philani was arrested over the weekend. His case was postponed to July 15 in order to allow him an opportunity to secure legal representation.

Senior prosecutor, Brandon van Staden, indicated that the state would be opposed to bail as Philani is being charged with a Schedule 6 offence.

Bheki Cele’s spokesperson, Reneilwe Sorero, confirmed that Mr Sithole was supposed to testify as a witness in Dr Mahlaba’s case and members of the ANCYL, subsequently, accused Dr Mahlaba of being involved in the murder of Mr Sithole.

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