Iyapha murder accused denied bail

THE Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court was packed yesterday when the two men accused of killing four-year-old Iyapha Yamile appeared.

The little girl’s body was found stuffed in a plastic bag near her aunt’s house a day after she went missing while playing with friends.

Inside and outside court, Khayelitsha residents protested against the accused getting bail. Before the court proceedings could got under way, officials had to ask some to leave the gallery, as it was too full.

Thabo Titus and Thabiso Mtshanguta appeared in the dock on a charge of murder.

State prosecutor Andrew Adam said the State opposed bail for both the accused and asked for the matter to be postponed for a bail application.

Magistrate Vernon Jantjies then postponed the matter until May 29 for a bail application, and the accused remained in custody.

Iyapha’s father, Danile Ngongoshe, said outside the court he agreed with the State about denying bail.

“There is no need for people to see them in our community, they must stay locked in jail.”

Ngongoshe said local residents were so angry that if the accused were granted bail, they would be killed.

“We are happy with the support we are getting, not just from the community. It’s not what I expected, it’s a surprise to me the way they are behind us.”