Murder accused doesn’t want bail
SUSPECTS FOREIGN NATIONALS
Aman charged with the murders of seven members of the Khoza family in Vlakfontein abandoned his bail application in the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
His co-accused will apply for bail next week.
Magistrate Maggie van der Merwe said the crime of murder was a schedule six offence and the court was not in a position to grant bail immediately.
Ernest Mabaso, 27, who allegedly claimed he was the son of a dead relative of the Khozas to gain access to the family, opted to withdraw his bail application.
His co-accused Fita Khupe, 61, has insisted on applying for bail and Van der Merwe said she would hear the application next week.
During the brief appearance, the court heard that the suspects were foreign nationals from Mozambique and Zimbabwe. This still needed to be verified. The state prosecutor said Mabaso had entered the country illegally.
On Monday, October 29 neighbours alerted police to a foul smell coming from the Khoza’s house in Vlakfontein, south of Johannesburg. Police broke down the door and made a gruesome discovery.
Seven bodies had been concealed under piles of sand on the floor. There were blood stains on the walls.
Neighbours, relatives, friends and the MEC for safety Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane were among the people in the packed gallery yesterday.
The case was postponed to November 12 for Khupe’s formal bail application.
Both accused were remanded in custody and have been separated.
One will be kept at the Johannesburg Correctional Services centre while the other will be kept at the Johannesburg Central police station.
The seven victims were laid to rest on Sunday at Mountain Rise cemetery in Pietermaritzburg. – ANA