While the case involving the two kidnapped and later murdered Shabani children has drawn widespread attention, two accused appeared in the magistrate court.
The two suspects, Thokozani Msibi aged 32 and Mthobisi Brilliant Mkhize aged 26, appeared for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of 13 year-old Gabasile Shabani and 15 month-old Nkosikhona Welcome Ngwenya.
The two accused Thokozani Msibi (32) and Mthobisi Brilliant Mkhize (26) appearing for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping and murder of 13 year-old Gabasile Shabani and 15 month-old Nkosikhona Welcome Ngwenya. The case has been postponed to March 13.
Police reported that certain men broke into the Shabani house in Hlalanikahle on January 28 and kidnapped Gabsile and Nkosikhona. A manhunt for the suspects and a search to locate the children was instituted which led to the arrest of the first suspect, Msibi and three other suspects.
The three, Thulani Thobela aged 26, Donie Cavin Boshielo aged 22 and Mthobisi Brilliant Mkhize aged 26 joined Msibi in the dock. Cases against Thobela and Boshielo were later withdrawn.
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Through a further probe, police also managed to locate the lifeless bodies of the two children, one at Culinan and the other along the N4 Highway.
The Shabani family in the Magistrate Court on Tuesday, March 6 together with eMalahleni executive mayor Cllr Lindiwe Ntshalintshali.
During the court appearance for bail, the state argued that the two Msibi and Mkize will not be granted bail on the basis that they have a strong case against them.
Accused number one Msibi’s defence, who was represented by Legal Aid argued that he gave the state two addresses one in Model Park and another in KwaZulu-Natal and was cooperating with the police and that he was a South African citizen and married with four children.
Protestors outside the Magistrate Court during the bail application of the two accused Thokozani Msibi (32) and Mthobisi Brilliant Mkhize (26).
The defence also said there was a certain Gamedze who also has access to the accused’s place. The defence also pointed out that he was forced and tortured by the police to give statements. It was also argued that he has no previous convictions.
Magistrate Daleen Venter, in denying bail, stated that the state has to be convinced in granting bail and that nine charges have been placed towards the two accused. The two will appear again on March 13 in order for Mkhize to secure a lawyer.
Read the full story in the WITBANK NEWS out today
