Murder suspects appear in Bethal Court
Suspect says his brother forced him be part of plot.
BETHAL – The suspects in the murder of Mr Kubuludu Mbulawa (60), appear in the Bethal Magistrate’s Court today.
Mr Mbulawa was found dead in his home on 28 July with several axe wounds.
According to the police, on the day that Mr Mbulawa was killed, an undisclosed amount of money and his car were stolen.
The police arrested six people after further investigation, including a local pastor, two pupils from eMzinoni High School, Mr Mbulawa’s friend and driver.
It is alleged that some of the accused knew Mr Mbulawa had money and planned to rob him.
Messrs Mduduzi Magagula and Mr Lindani Maseko applied for bail.
Mr Magagula pleaded not guilty.
He said he was forced by his brother to go to Mr Mbulawa’s house.
“I had run out of cash and asked my brother, Ntokozo, to lend me money.
“He said he did not have, but he had a plan of how we could get some.
“He told us about the plan and we refused to join him.
“He threatened to kill us and forced us to go with him.”
He said in court that on arrival at Mr Mbulawa’s house, he was told that he and his friend Lindani should stand guard.
He said after the crime was committed, they went home where he saw Ntokozo’s bloody hands.
“Ntokozo gave us R200 and told us to flee to Piet Retief.
“He told us not to be scared, because there was a police officer who would help us to not get arrested.”
Mr Magagula was shaking and not able to speak further and told the court that he was fearing for his life.
Mr Maseko also confirmed that they were forced to go to Mr Mbulawa’s house.
He said they refused, but “Ntokozo forced us to go because we already knew about the plot.
“I tried to get out of it, but Ntokozo threatened me with an iron axe.
“We went with him because we feared for our lives.
“On our way, we met Mr Mbuzini and Mr Mndebele.
“We were told to fetch a woman in town.
“We refused and were then instructed to keep guard unless we wanted to be killed.”
He said the co-accused then went to Mr Mbulawa’s house.
The woman called Mr Mbulawa and he opened the gate and she entered the house.
“I saw Mndebele entering the house.
“They tied Mr Mbulawi, removed the lights and closed the door.
“I then returned to where I was placed.”
Court adjourned.
