Five suspects linked to the alleged murder of Glen Nkuna (38) appeared in the Waterval Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 12 March.
Three of the accused, Pfano Mukwebo, Rophiwa Tshisema and Clifford Munungufala, are all 19 years old. Two others are minors aged 16 and 17 and did not appear in court. Their identities cannot be published under the Child Justice Act.
Nkuna’s body was discovered next to the gate of Elim Hospital at about 03:00 on Sunday, 8 March. Emergency medical services were called, but he was declared dead at the scene.
Police arrested the five suspects on Tuesday, 10 March, in connection with the murder.
Scores of angry residents gathered outside the court ahead of a planned community shutdown on Friday, 13 March. Many residents wanted to enter the courtroom, but only members of the deceased’s family were allowed inside.
The court heard that the accused allegedly intentionally killed Nkuna.
All five suspects indicated that they would use Legal Aid South Africa for legal representation.
The case comes about four weeks after the body of Tivani Maluleke (41) from Mbhokota village was found in Mahonisi village near Elim on Saturday, 7 February. Police found him lying in a pool of blood next to rental rooms. A large stone and a beer bottle were found nearby.
The case against the accused in Nkuna’s murder was postponed to 18 March. They will remain in custody for profiling and to determine whether they have previous convictions. Bail applications are expected to be heard on the next court date.