‘IF they get bail, either we will be killed or they will die.’
Those were the words of one angry and anxious member of the Nhlabane community who was part of a 150-person strong protest outside the kwaMbonambi Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday morning.
The group swelled in number as they again protested at the Empangeni District Court on Wednesday, after the matter was transferred.
They were there to plead for bail to be denied for five suspects arrested on charges of kidnapping and murdering Nhlabane resident Mbo Welcome Menyuka Gumede (25), whose beaten body was found buried on Friday at Nhlabane beach.
He had been reported missing since being abducted in broad daylight before witnesses at Nhlabane Reserve on Thursday, 2 October.
And, claim residents, there might be as many more victims who suffered the same fate since 2008.
Police are investigating these allegations and might add further charges to those already submitted if skeletal remains are found during a planned search.
Main accused, tuck shop and shebeen owner Bongani Mbuyazi (41) has according to the community and the police conducted a ‘reign of terror’ against anyone who dared cross his path.
Appearing in court with him before Magistrate Hlophe were co-accused Phumlani Mbuyazi (41), Bongani Mbuyazi (41), Kingdom Mthiyane (39), Nhlakanipho Zikhali (46) and Sandile Mthiyane (33).
They will remain in custody until the formal bail hearing on 30 October.
Police said it has also been alleged that Bongani Mbuyazi is linked to other murders, is responsible for the burning of an RBM bulldozer and has been instrumental in inciting unrest against RBM, for personal gain.
‘We want any person with evidence or allegations of criminal activity to come forward and we give the assurance that there information will be treated confidentially,’ said an SAPS spokesperson.
‘They can call the kwaMbonambi Police Station on 035 5801222 or 035 5808066.’
KZN Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Mmamonnye Ngobeni applauded the kwaMbonambi members for the swift response which led to the arrest of the suspects.
‘We will not tolerate for the people who take the law into their own hands and we will make sure that those who are involved in such acts will be prosecuted.‘More arrest are expected,’ she said.
Nhlabane death row
A hand-written list of people who were killed or reported missing at Nhlabane since 2008 was handed to the Zululand Observer by a community member, who has asked the police to investigate the following for possible links:
•Bulunga- Was found dead in Nhlabane at night.
•Jomba Mbuyazi- Went to visit the killer in the afternoon and the following morning his body was found on the road.
•Vovi Ntuli – He was killed at the beach and his body was found at the airport; his private parts were missing.
•Masoyi Mthiyane – Went missing; there were no signs and was never found.
Fanalakhe Bukhosini – Went missing and was never found.
Mnguni – Went missing and he was never found.
Mdamba child – The child managed to escape from the killer, before escaping the child was told by the killer that they were going to make soup from her /his body. The child reported the incident to his/her parents. The killer bribed the parents with R20 000 in order for them not to report to the police, but the family refused the bribe.
The decomposed body of a boy from Ngcobo was found in the forest.
Emberton Jiyeza – Went missing with Masoyi Mthiyane and they were never found.
Mbo Gumede – His body was found buried at the beach near Jonono area.
