THREE men and five juveniles appeared in the Umzinto Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday facing charges of murder.
“It is alleged that a group of youngsters had gone to a Malangeni tavern to buy cigarettes when they became embroiled in a quarrel with some of the patrons at the tavern,” explained Scottburgh SAPS communications officer, Captain Vincent Pandarum.
“Some of the patrons chased the youngsters back to their homestead and began demanding that they come out, pelting the house with stones and smashing windows in the process.”
Other youngsters joined in and launched a ‘revenge attack’ which occurred around 3.30am on Sunday, March 4, resulting in the tavern patrons fleeing the scene.
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The group of youngsters managed to capture two men, one of whom contrived to escape.
“A bush knife, knives and sticks were used to assault the man who was left behind,” said Captain Pandarum.
Paramedics arrived at the scene and, despite their best efforts, 26-year-old Avela Cetshwayo succumbed to his injuries.
Members of the Umzinto SAPS Detective Service responded swiftly to the attack and arrested five suspects while another three were arrested later.
Six knives, believed to have been used in the attack, were seized as exhibits.
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Nkosinathi Innocent Gumede (25), Thobani Hlongwane (20), Sbonelo Msomi (22) and five juveniles aged between 15 and 17 years appeared in court.
The case was postponed to March 19 for a bail application hearing.
The juveniles will be held at a place of safety until their next appearance, while the three men have been remanded back into police custody.
Constable Sthembiso Gumede of the Umzinto SAPS Detective Service is investigating the case.
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