Five murder accused withdraw bail applications

Five men who allegedly raped a 34-year-old woman and then doused her and her male friend with a flammable liquid before callously setting them alight yesterday withdrew their bail applications at the Kagiso Magistrate’s Court, where an angry crowd was baying for their blood.

The lawyers for Bheki Mzama, 28, Sabatha Mathuku, 30, Lindokhule Thembani, 23, Thamsanqa Sizama, 22, and Lindani Mzama,22, told the magistrate that after consultation, the accused had decided to withdraw their bail applications.

The accused face two counts of murder, rape, two counts of kidnapping and negligent and reckless driving. They allegedly accosted Jeanette Cindi and her friend, Lungelo Buthelezi, 31, earlier this month when they were on their way home from a night out.

The gang allegedly raped Cindi before they doused her and Buthelezi with a flammable liquid before setting them alight. Buthelezi succumbed to his injuries and died on the scene. Cindi, who also suffered severe burns, died in hospital.

Yesterday, the accused told the court through their legal representatives that they had been assaulted while in custody.

However, state prosecutor Myner Mokoakoa dismissed the submission of the accused. “Why didn’t they mention this to the court on a previous appearance?”

The public gallery was fi lled by Tshepisong community members whose anger for the accused was palpable.

The matter was adjourned to June 2.

Clowy Cindi, the sister of the murdered woman, said she was pleased that the accused had withdrawn their bail applications.

“They knew that the community would hunt them down if they were released on bail,” she said. – ANA