Murder accused wants bail
CHANGE OF HEART: MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING SEVEN FAMILY MEMBERS SUBMITS APPLICATION
Thembelihle Mkhonza
Ernest Mabaso, accused of killing seven members of the Khoza family in Vlakfontein, has changed his mind about applying for bail after he previously abandoned his application at his first court appearance last week.
The court postponed the matter to November 20 to be heard over two days after it emerged that Mabaso had decided to apply for bail. Fifita Khupe’s bail application was due to be heard, but was postponed after the court was informed that he had changed his legal representative.
Gerhard Landman from BDK Attorneys has been appointed as his lawyer.
Mabaso and Khupe face seven counts of murder after the victims were found buried under sand in their home on October 29.
Mabaso also faces three counts of rape.
Community members came in their numbers, singing struggle songs in support of the victims’ family members.
Security was tight inside the court room and only family, officials and media were allowed to attend the proceedings.
The court also heard that Mabaso had been threatened by his co-accused.
The accused were remanded in custody and separated for their own safety. One will be kept at the Johannesburg Correctional Services Centre while the other will be kept at the Krugersdorp prison. – ANA