#JusticeForLee: Mashini’s bail application unsuccessful
“We are elated that no bail was granted" says Estelle Delport.
A relieved cheer echoed through the courtroom when magistrate Ruby Matthys, confirmed that Onke Hartin Mashinini, the accused in the case of missing three-year-old Liyaqat ‘Lee’ Mentoor, was denied bail on 30 May.
Estelle Delport, the family representative, said, “We are elated that no bail was granted and believe that, after two difficult months, the case is now finally progressing. And, even though we believe that the State has a very strong case, we realise that we still have a long way to go.
We are still looking for answers, and we still want to know where Lee is, and we will not stop until we have closure.”
Read more here: #HelpFindLee: WATCH: Family’s heartbroken plea for Lee’s Safe return
Mashinini’s statement was read, whereafter the Investigating Officer (IO) in the case took to the stand to testify.
Constable Phumzile Mbonambi, the IO, explained why the initial charge was only child neglect, and said, “Initially, the accused was arrested on a charge of child neglect and kidnapping. When we gathered more evidence, we added the charges of defeating the ends of justice and murder.”
She added that she had also obtained a statement from one of Mashinini’s friends, who confirmed that the accused had approached him on the day that Lee went missing, and asked him to lie for him, to provide him with an alibi.
During her testimony, she also pointed out that they had traced Mashinini’s ex-wife, and she said, “She confirmed that the accused had a history of abuse against her and their two children, and she did not want him to know where she lived, as she was scared of him.”
https://www.facebook.com/roodepoortrecord/videos/1911359258926389/
The IO also confirmed that Mashinini had previously been arrested on two charges of assault, as well as a charge of rape. “The complainant in all three cases was his wife, but the accused was not convicted because she withdrew the cases,” she said.
The case took another surprising turn when the court called his father to the stand to testify.
The magistrate asked quite a few questions pertaining to the relationship between father and son, and it soon became apparent that, contrary to what his father said, he did not know his son at all well.
https://www.facebook.com/roodepoortrecord/videos/1911365295592452/
“It is the decision of the court to deny the accused bail, as the charges against him are very serious.
The court also believe that, should the accused be granted bail, he would not honour his trial dates, as he does not have anything compelling him to stay here. It is also possible that he might try to interfere with the investigation by intimidating and influencing witnesses, and, due to the huge public interest, and angry community members, we cannot guarantee his safety. He will remain in custody until the date for his trial is set,” Matthys concluded.
Mashinini will appear again on 4 June.
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