Siphelele Nketo
A BAIL attempt by a traditional leader (75) accused of killing two men was denied by the Ngqeleni Magistrate’s Court recently. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) opposed bail against the Ngqeleni-based traditional leader. This was after Senior State Advocate Thamsanqa Kwetane lead the evidence of the investigating officer who testified that the accused was a danger to society.
The elderly traditional leader in the Godini village allegedly approached three men who were in a bakkie collecting wood in a forest in the Bantini village in May.
He allegedly shot at the three men, killing one instantly and the second victim died a few days later in hospital.
The third victim remains in hospital.
The traditional leader was arrested and charged for murder, attempted murder and unlawful possession of a firearm as well as malicious injury to property.
In his bail bid, he claimed that he was acting in self defence, as he was attacked with bush knives. Luxolo Tyali, the NPA regional spokesperson in the Eastern Cape division, said that the case was postponed to July 30 for further investigations. He said that the NPA is now shifting its focus to ensuring that it presents a formidable case when the matter goes to trial.
