Three security guards linked to the once-feared group known as Jerusalem will finally face justice when their trial starts on 4 August. The trio briefly appeared in the Sibasa Regional Court on Monday, where they face charges of murder.
Mbudzeni Netshiungani, Thomas Ramoroka and Bigboy Shiburi were arrested shortly after they had allegedly kidnapped and beaten Takalani Stanley Mbulaheni to death on 15 December 2021 at Ethiopia in Khubvi village.
According to the deceased's uncle, Mr Ishmael Mbulaheni – who was in court on Monday and is also a state witness – Takalani joined Marshall Security Services, also known as Tshiswole a tshi thabi, on 27 November 2021. He was allegedly killed only 12 days into his new job.
"After assaulting him, [Takalani's attackers] brought him home and continued assaulting him in front of his family and his girlfriend. They left him for dead at his home," said Mbulaheni.
He said that when he had been informed about the assault shortly after 01:00 that morning, he had rushed to the scene and had wanted to take Takalani to hospital, but his nephew had refused.
"My nephew said his boss told him that if he went to the hospital, they would come and finish him off there. I only took him to the local clinic, where he succumbed to his injuries. My nephew was killed like an animal," he said.
Mbulaheni said the family was relieved the case was finally heading to trial. "This case has been dragging on for three years, and finally the time for the truth to be spoken has arrived."
All three accused are out on bail.