School murder suspect still in custody

MURDER accused Zukile Poni was returned to custody for the second time at a brief appearance in the East London Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Poni, 28, faces charges ranging from murder, pointing a firearm and possession of stolen property relating to the killing of John Bisseker School Governing Body member Aubrey Sass. He was not asked to plead. Poni is accused of shooting and fatally wounding Sass, who was acting as a part-time security guard at the school more than a week ago.

He first appeared in court on Wednesday last week and had been non-compliant in answering questions from court officials when asked to chose legal representation.

Magistrate Similo Jaftha ordered that he be remanded in custody and that his family members be brought in so it could be established if Poni was mentally fit to stand trial.

However, he was again remanded in custody yesterday after his family members failed to appear.

Although Poni answered the questions addressed to him yesterday and said he would be conducting his own defence, Jaftha was still adamant that the accused needed family representation before he could decide what to do with the matter.

He postponed May 23.

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Meanwhile friends, family and community members gathered at the Parkside based high school yesterday to “praise” Sass.

Speaker after speaker described Sass as a selfless community activist who loved and served his community.

His niece, Cympitha King, said her uncle ultimately sacrificed his life for his community.

“He had the best interests of his community at heart. He did not worry about himself, but worried most about his community,” she said.

School principal Aubrey Lackay said they appreciated what Sass meant to the school.

“We struggled with security here at the school and he volunteered to look after the school. Even during holidays. He was part of everything that was happening here,” said Lackay.

Sass was also chairman of the Parkside Primary School governing body, a community police forum member and chairman of Pefferville Clinic.

Brian Fritz, the principal of Parkside Primary School, said Sass went out of his way to assist his community.

“He was a committed community man who gave his services selflessly.”

Sass’ friend Thanduxolo Faku said Sass loved his community the way he loved his family. “He would be involved in every activity that was happening in this area,” said Faku.