On Friday, November 7 five suspects appeared in Witbank Magistrate’s Court, while a sixth suspect already appeared last week. They had been arrested the previous day.
“The suspects, all approximately 24 years old, were arrested at their homes in an informal settlement in Ackerville, Vosman,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant-General Solomon Makgale.
The first suspect, of the same age, was arrested last week in Ackerville by Vosman police.
All six suspects face charges of attempted murder and armed robbery.
Mthembu is still recovering from the shooting incident. He was shot in the face on Sunday, October 19 when he was withdrawing money from the ABSA Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) in the Central Business District.
“Of the 10 days he was in eMalahleni Private Hospital, he spent seven days in the Intensive Care Unit, where he underwent numerous tests, scans, treatment and medical observation,” said Zizi Kodwa ANC spokesperson.
The ANC has welcomed the arrests and lauded the police for the swift apprehension of the suspects.
“The ANC calls on the police to ensure that criminals have nowhere to hide. Our communities must be part of this fight against the scourge of brutality and lawlessness,” continued Kodwa.
The state opposed bail and wants the six suspects to remain in custody.
