The state has added two more accused, Dumisani Luthuli, and another accused who was not present in court as he is currently attending a similar case in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court.
The two additional accused were arrested yesterday.
Although the identity of the fourth accused is known to the Middelburg Observer, he cannot be named before making a formal court appearance.
The courtroom was filled with angry community members and families of the alleged victims.
During the proceedings, state prosecutor Rean Lourens requested a postponement of their formal bail applications, citing that not all accused were before the court.
Attorney Katlego Dolamo, representing Masilela and Luthuli, and Advocate WS Jungbludt, representing Steyn, said they were both ready for the bail application, and the magistrate must consider their clients’ Constitutional rights.
@middelburgobserver Attorney Katlego Dolamo speaking to the magistrate at the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court. He was requesting the bail application be processed for his clients. He is representing two accused in the kidnapping and assault case of two men by a farmer and security guard.
However, the magistrate granted the prosecution’s request to postpone the bail application so that all four accused could be present in court, allowing investigators more time to gather additional information.
Acting Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, who was present in court, told the Observer that the police have a strong case and may add two counts of murder to the charges.
For now, all four accused are facing charges of kidnapping and assault.
When asked about the whereabouts of the two missing men, Mdhluli said that the police believe the men may be deceased.
@middelburgobserver Acting Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli speaking outside the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court about the two men who were allegedly assualted and killed. There bodies have still not being found and no murder case has been filed.
Last week, forensic investigators searched Steyn’s farm for the victims’ remains, but no evidence of the alleged murders was found.
According to police reports, Mguni and Mahlangu were accused of stock theft on the Elandslaagte farm near Middelburg, which led to their alleged assault and presumed death.
Their bodies have yet to be recovered, and no formal murder cases have been opened.
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Thandeka Tlou, a relative of Mahlangu, said the family are desperate for answers and justice, “We are struggling to find closure because we don’t know where they are,” she said.
The matter has been postponed for formal bail applications on September 10.
@middelburgobserver Thandeka Tlou, a family member of one of the missing men who was allegedly kidnapped and assaulted on a farm outside Middelburg.
