Four men accused of demanding extortion money from a contractor, allegedly as part of so-called construction mafia activities, will apply for bail on 2 March.
The men — Lindelani Mberegeni Samuel Nelwamondo (44), Vhonani Ndou (43), Khathutshelo Nemahagala (44) and Rudzani Rolling Munzhelele (43) — appeared at the Vuwani Magistrate’s Court on 23 February on charges of extortion. Their arrest and court appearance relate to an incident at Lwamondo Mathule on Friday, 13 February, where the four, travelling in a bakkie, allegedly targeted a contractor installing a wireless network. They are accused of demanding a 30% share of the project or threatening to disrupt and stall the work.
The contractor reportedly refused to pay and reported the matter to the police. Acting on this information, police arrested two of the suspects on the same day.
The first two suspects, well-known local businessmen Mberegeni Nelwamondo and Vhonani Ndou, appeared in the Vuwani Magistrate’s Court on 16 February. Their case was postponed to 18 February for further investigation.
On 16 February, Munzhelele handed himself over to the police after learning they were seeking him. Nemahagala was arrested a day later, on 17 February.
The cases against the four men were joined, and their next court appearance is scheduled for 2 March for a formal bail application. The State has indicated it will oppose their release on bail.