Accused in Ngcobo police massacre abandon bail applications

A MEMBER of the Seven Angels Ministry cult led two police officers into an ambush where four of the church members mowed them down, it was alleged yesterday.

Police evidence led at the trial of six churchmen accused of killing five police officers was that after stealing weapons from the murdered officers, the cult had planned to improve their aim by going to a shooting range.

One of their vehicles even had a target board in the back.

A case of murdering a soldier is still being investigated and could be added to the charge sheet later, according to Hawks spokeswoman Anelisa Feni.

All six men accused of the Ngcobo police station massacre last month have abandoned their bail applications and will be remanded in custody until the trial resumes on May 7.

Andani Monco, Kwanele Ndlwana, Siphosomzi Tshefu, Siphesihle Tatsi, Phumzile Mhlatywa and Phutumile Mancoba appeared yesterday in the Ngcobo Magistrate’s Court for their formal bail hearing.

Earlier in the day, lawyers for five of the accused told the court they would not carry on applying for bail.

Tshefu, who was representing himself, abandoned his bail application after state witness Captain Thembinkosi Mbambalele, lead investigator in the case, described the ambush and said attacking a police station was abnormal and he would not support Tshefu’s bail application.