OUTRAGED Nhlabane community members chanted with anger when two murder accused were granted bail at Empangeni District Magistrate’s Court .
Bongani Mbuyazi (41) and Nhlanhla Mbuyazi (35) are among seven accused charged with kidnapping and murdering Mbo Welcome Menyuka (25).
Mbuyazi was granted R20 000 bail, while his cousin Mbuyazi paid R10 000.
Chaos ruled the court yard as the furious crowd sought explanations and demanded entry to the main court’s building.
To prevent a riot from outraged residents, police officials locked the court’s main gate – denying access to the angry crowd.
The five remaining accused will remain in custody until the case resumes at KwaMbonambi Magistrate’s Court on 4 December.
The men were allegedly involved in killing Menyuka, whose beaten body was found buried at Nhlabane beach in mid-October.
The pair were released under strict conditions, and instructed to report once a week at the Richards Bay police station.
Magistrate PR Mothilal warned them to inform his court when they leave town.
To avoid any further community violence, both accused agreed to stay with their relatives at Ndabayakhe reserve until the next court appearance.
Speaking to the Zululand Observer shortly after the ruling, Menyuka’s grieving father John Gumede, said he was shocked over the court’s ruling.
‘The pain of losing a child is unbearable, but I can’t fight the court on its decision. I just hope in the end justice will be served,’ said a tearful Gumede.
Dismayed and furious residents also claimed there might be as many more victims who suffered the same fate since 2008.
‘We are afraid of what will happen to us and our children. Many people have been killed and disappeared in this area. We don’t understand why would the court give them bail,’ they said.
