Accused soldier in bail hearing

A SOLDIER accused of shooting dead his girlfriend’s sister and a friend told the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court yesterday he would plead not guilty when he stands trial.

Thembinkosi American Ngcobo made the assertion during his bail application.

He told the court he did not want to answer questions in relation to the crimes which he is alleged to have committed and would only do so at trial.

Ngcobo, a soldier with the 8th SA Infantry Battalion, is alleged to have fled his post in Upington last month as he was scheduled to go on guard duty and, in a fit of jealousy, drove to Durban where he shot his girlfriend’s sister and her friend. A policeman was also wounded in the incident.

Ngcobo is father to two small children.

The bail hearing was adjourned to February 28.