MOKOPANE – The four suspects arrested in connection with the murders on Ralph Kanyane and Vaaltyn Kekana appeared before the Mokopane Magistrates Court on Tuesday (May 17) for their formal bail application.
Only two of the suspects, Jabu Mashamaite and Mswazi Chuma applied for bail while the other suspects have abondoned their applications and will apply at a later stage.
Read more: Arrests made in Ralph Kanyane and Vaaltyn Kekana murder case
The former ANC members Ralph Kanyane (32) and Vaaltyn Kekana (54) were seated in their vehicle when they were shot point-blank by an unknown assailant on July 23, 2019 in Pretorius Street in Mokopane.
Both men died on the scene and the shooter fled on foot. It is believed the men wanted to expose alleged tender fraud within the Mogalakwena Municipality.
Video footage below shows the suspect flee from the crime scene:
At the time, a high-level investigating team was assembled and Limpopo police later offered a R250 000 reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of the person responsible for their murder.
The first accused, Samuel Mokonyane, faces charges of conspiracy to commit a crime, two counts of murder, the unlawful possession of a firearm as well as unlawful possession of ammunition. The other three accused; Jabu Mashamaite, Mswazi Chuma and Frans Mogashwa, face charges of conspiracy to commit a crime as well as two counts of murder.
Two groups demonstrated outside the court yesterday with one group showing support for the suspects while the other group said bail should be denied.
Court proceedings are expected to continue tomorrow (May 19).
