The seven people accused of murdering Elvis Nyathi have been granted bail.
The accused, whose names are known by Randburg Sun but will not be published until they plead, were each granted R3 000 bail by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.
Nyathi was a Zimbabwean national who was beaten and burned to death during a mob justice incident in Diepsloot in April.
The accused are charged with murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, four counts of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, robbery with aggravating circumstances and extortion.
“Some Diepsloot residents embarked on alleged acts of vigilantism, attacking Zimbabwean nationals that residents were accusing of committing crimes in the area,” explained national prosecuting authority regional spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane.
“The group of residents allegedly robbed some of the victims of their belongings and demanded money from their relatives in exchange for the release of those they held in captivity.”
In opposing bail, the prosecutor, Dinesh Nandkisoor tendered an affidavit of investigating officer, Colonel Friccah Masilela, attached to the Gauteng Murder and Robbery Unit detailing that if released on bail, there is a likelihood that the accused will endanger the safety of the public, they will attempt to evade trial, they will influence or intimidate witnesses, and their release will jeopardise the functioning of the criminal justice system.
“The court ruled that the accused were suitable candidates to be admitted to bail, taking into consideration their right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty as well as the fact that bail serves to secure the court attendance by the accused.”
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