Bail postponed in Mtwalume murder case
The family of the victims attended the court proceedings, supported by the community.
The bail application of Phumelela Shazi of Mtwalume, who is facing a double murder charge, was postponed in the Umzumbe Magistrate’s Court last Monday.
His next court appearance is on February 6.
Shazi is alleged to have shot dead Sboniso Wiseman Mteshane (31) and Kwazi Hebert Gumede (33), also of Mtwalume.
The Mtsehane family attended the court proceedings and were supported by the community.
“We are hopeful that the law will take its course. We are devastated as a family,” said a distraught Sphelele Mteshane.
Gumede and Sboniso Mteshane were shot dead at their home in KwaBangibizo two weeks ago, a few hours after an altercation.
At the time of the argument, and according to their aunt, Nokulunga Mteshane, the family were on the way home after attending a ceremony. However, due to the state of the road, the taxis they had hired were unable drop them off at home, instead they were dropped off on the main road.
It is believed while they were walking home, the driver of a bakkie nearly knocked down a family member.
“Kwazi had an altercation with the driver, but nothing happened at the time and we all went to our homes. Later the same evening, I received a call that the boys had been shot.”
According to the aunt, Sboniso was not present when the argument took place, but he was unfortunately shot.
She said her nephews were good boys, hard working and respectful.“We were expecting a lot from them because they had a bright future.”
The KZN MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, visited the Mteshane home and condemned the incident. At the time she said, the rising levels of violence in communities are deeply concerning and require a united response from government, law enforcement, civil society, faith based organisations and community members.
