The hitch-hiker, Edwin Ngwenyama (34), who is accused of the murder of Andrew Thulare (46), handed himself over to a security guard to be arrested after he allegedly committed the gruesome act. This was revealed by the investigating officer, WO Hendrik Grobler, of the White River police when he opposed Ngwenyama’s bail application in the White River Magistrate’s Court on Monday November 23.
Read: Hitch-hiker arrested for allegedly shooting gun owner
“We don’t want the accused to be released on bail. He committed a serious case of murder and the court has an obligation to protect the community against such crimes. He was also found in possession of the murder weapon,” he said. Grobler also revealed that Ngwenyama handed himself over to a security guard after he had allegedly shot Thulare at close range. “While he was fleeing from from the scene, he met a security guard and confessed what he had done and asked the man to handcuff him. The security guard handed him over to the police.” The incident happened on November 14 on the road between Galito’s and the Caltex Garage in White River at around 14:00.
Also read: Tearful murder accused intends to plead not guilty
Speaking through his Legal Aid lawyer, Tshembo Mbhalati, Ngwenyama said he intends to plead not guilty to the charges of murder, theft and possession of an unlicensed firearm. He told the court that he was a self-employed tailor and could afford R2 000 bail. He said if given bail, he would not be able to evade his trial as he has no family or assets outside the borders of the country. Ngwenyama said his release on bail would not disturb public order. “It would not disturb public order or peace since I have lived well with the community,” read his application. It was also heard in court that the police were still waiting for the post-mortem results and the ballistic report of the firearm.
