Seven murder accused denied bail

The headman was brutally killed with sharp objects

The seven people accused of the brutal killing of Mbizana traditional leader were on Thursday denied bail with the magistrate labelling them bad witnesses.

David Sogoni 55, Dumisa Phephu, 70, Zandise Xabadiya, 32, Nothemba Cele, 48, Mzimasi Nqukwe 19, Mthokuzisi Deyi, 38, and Ntombifikile Hlabe, 45, have all pleaded not guilty of the murder of Dindini headman Thulani Mjanyelwa.

He was beaten with sticks, hacked with a sharp object and then set alight before his furniture and other belongings worth more than R100,000 were also set alight on August

26.

The defence attorney Mduma Mjobo of Mjobo Attorneys, who represented all the accused, said his clients would appeal the decision to deny bail.

The case was postponed to December 10 for further investigation.