The family of slain Bronkhorstspruit magistrate Victor Mabunda said they were struggling to face his alleged killers during a court appearance on Monday.
Three men accused of gunning down Mabunda in the driveway of his home in January appeared in the Bronkhorstspruit magistrate’s court for bail application.
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Speaking on behalf of widow Velaphi Mabunda, Phoebe Thlaku said seeing the men in court was unpleasant and had left the family with questions.
“It is not easy looking at them. We ask ourselves why did they do it,” she said.
Thlaku, who is Velaphi’s sister, said the family was having a hard time dealing with the loss and wanted justice to prevail.
“We are taking it one day at a time and all we want is for the law to take its course,” she said.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Family of slain Bronkhorstspruit magistrate demand harsh jail term for suspects
The father of five was shot four times as he arrived home from work. Police said nothing was stolen during the incident.
Two of the suspects were arrested on 1 February and the third was arrested the following day in Soweto after he was found in possession of a car linked to the murder.
The national prosecuting authority’s Matric Luphondo said some members of the judiciary received threats shortly after Mabunda’s death, which led them to believe that the killing was a “hit”.
The case was transferred to the Pretoria regional court and was remanded to 19 February.
Cosatu provincial executive member Johannes Mokoena said members of the community would be mobilised to ensure that support was given to the family.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Police still searching for Bronkhorstspruit magistrate murderer
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