Bail revoked for murder trial of Germiston’s tattoo artist and businessman
The accused’s life is found to be in danger at the hands of the community and he is a flight risk due to relocation purposes.
A 45-year-old man, accused of murder, will remain in police custody after his bail was revoked by the Germiston Magistrate’s Court.
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This happened when the accused Arlido Jango Mthombeni made his third appearance in Court D on October 12.
He was arrested after Germiston tattoo artist, business owner and member of Beyond The Future Youth Empowerment Organisation, Amukelani Mohlare (30), was killed on August 30.
Although Mthombeni was initially granted bail, the court overturned the bail approval in response to the public outcry.
The court also found the accused to have misled the court when he provided incorrect information to the police and his legal representative when asked for a residential address.
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The court found Mthombeni to be a flight risk.
The prosecution informed the court about an outcry from members of the public after Mthombeni was initially granted R2 000 bail.
Additionally considering the public outcry, the magistrate also considered Mthombeni’s safety.
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Following the cancellation of his bail, the funds will be remitted to him.
Douglas Fhatuwani from the Beyond the Future Youth Empowerment Organisation told GCN that Mthombeni had been killed following an alleged disagreement.
The GCN has not been able to confirm this information.
On October 3, community members and Beyond the Future Youth Empowerment Organisation representatives demonstrated outside the court in protest of Mthombeni being granted bail.
These community members demanded justice.
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“Amukelani was killed as collateral damage to a couple’s dispute,” said the leader of the march Fhatuwani.
“Soon after the incident, Mthombeni handed himself over to the Germiston SAPS and he was released on bail.
“As friends and family who were affected by this incident, we fail to understand how a murderer can be released on R2 000 bail, considering the particulars of the case.”
Mthombeni will again appear in court on October 20 at the Germiston Magistrate’s Court.
GCN requested confirmation about the information on the case from Germiston Police Station on October 5, 7, and 10 as well as Gauteng SAPS on October 13.
Although Germiston Police Station’s communications officer Sergeant Constance Mabunda acknowledged GCN’s requests he told the publication he had sent the questions to senior management.
At the time of going to print no comment was received.