Long weekend in jail for Nyandeni SACP leader

Ngqeleni magistrate’s court heard on Thursday how a senior politician and his four coaccused allegedly kidnapped and killed a man they suspected of housebreaking and theft.

Nyandeni council’s finance portfolio head, Zola Mevana – who is also an SACP district executive member – is accused of being part of a mob that kidnapped and beat Phelo Makhunga to death on February 5.

Mevana, 47, was in the dock alongside Sibongiseni Maganda, 31, Thando Mziki, 32, Avuyile Zide, 31 and Mnyamezeli Lulwane, 51.

They were arrested by Ngqeleni police last Tuesday.

According to the charge sheet, the accused hit Makhunga with sticks until he died. This was after allegedly kidnapping him in Mdlankomo village, putting him in a Toyota Tazz and taking him to a Libode township.

Magistrate Sikhayiso Ngomthi said the charges the accused were facing were schedule 6 crimes.

“These are very serious offences. The victim in this case is the same person mentioned in the murder case,” he said.

Although state prosecutor Apinda Madikizela told the court that the state was ready to proceed with formal bail application all defence attorneys said they were not.

The case was postponed to February 19 for the bail application. The accused will remain in custody until then.