Police have dismissed claims circulating in the community that one of the minor suspects in the murder of Glen Nkuna (38) has been released on bail. The four accused – Silence Madima (22), Pfano Mukwevho, Rofhiwa Tshisema and Clifford Munungufhala (all 19) – appeared briefly in the Waterval Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 25 March.
Nkuna’s body was found next to the gate of Elim Hospital at about 03:00 on Sunday, 8 March. Emergency services were called, but he was declared dead at the scene.
Outside court on Wednesday, some community members claimed that one of the minor suspects had already been granted bail.
Waterval police were quick to deny this, saying none of the accused has been released and that all remain in custody. The claims come as the two minor suspects, aged 16 and 17, have not been seen appearing in court. They cannot appear in open court and their identities cannot be published under the Child Justice Act.
The matter was adjourned as the accused’s senior Legal Aid lawyer was not present. Another accused, listed as number one, told the court that his recorded age was incorrect, but his claim was dismissed.
Previously, a sixth accused said he wanted to represent himself, telling the court that he knows “exactly what transpired”. However, after the court explained that the matter is being treated as a Schedule 6 offence under the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, he changed his decision and said he would seek government legal representation.
“The community is lying that the suspect is out on bail and the police confirmed that they are all still in custody. We are not worried as long as they are postponing while the suspects are still in custody until they sentence them,” said Nkuna’s younger brother, Wisani.
The case was postponed to 8 April for a bail application.