Two accused denied bail in ANC members’ murder case
After evidence was presented in 12 court appearances over the last eight weeks, it was ruled that due to the nature of the charges, the accused had to present exceptional reasons in order for bail to be granted.
MOKOPANE – Bail was on Monday (July 25) denied to Jabu Mashamaite and Mswazi Chuma, who face two counts of murder, as well as conspiracy to commit a crime.
After evidence was presented in 12 court appearances over the last eight weeks, it was ruled that due to the nature of the charges, the accused had to present exceptional reasons in order for bail to be granted.
Read more: ANC double murders: Case postponed to next week
The court was, however, not convinced that such reasons existed.
It was stated that due to the case being a high-profile investigation, the release of the subjects may pose a danger to the witnesses as some have already been threatened should they testify.
Read more: ANC murders: Witness says he was promised reward for implicating accused
It was also mentioned that although the two applicants are not flight risks, the court should keep in mind that should the accused be released on bail, public peace could be disrupted and the accused could be compromised in such a way that they will not be fit to stand trial.
Mashamaite’s medical condition, which was elaborated on during the bail application hearing, was found not to be life-threatening and therefore not exceptional enough circumstance for him to be released.
Mashamaite, Chuma, Samuel Mokonyane and Frans Monyadi are in custody for the murders of two ANC members in 2019.
The victims, Ralph Kanyane (32) and Vaaltyn Kekana (54), were killed as they wanted to expose tender fraud at the Mogalakwena Municipality.
They were shot at point-blank range while seated in a vehicle.
With the four accused still reprimanded, the case was postponed to July 29 when the state will provide the defense with indictments.
