Family demands no bail for murder accused
Chatsworth teen stabbed in apparent ‘grudge act’
THE family of a Chatsworth teenager who was stabbed in the chest outside a tuck shop in an alleged “grudge act” demanded the murder accused be denied bail.
Kyle Premlall, 19, of Welbedacht died last Sunday. Lungisani Cele, 21, also of Welbedacht, was later arrested and charged with murder.
Constable Thokozani Kanyile, who testified during the bail application in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, said Premlall was stabbed before entering the tuck shop.
He said a witness claimed to have seen the accused exit the shop, and when he saw Premlall, he allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest.
Kanyile added that Premlall’s brothers, who were also present, flagged down a passing police van and the accused was arrested.
“The knife that was used to stab the deceased was found.”
He said that according to witnesses, a week prior to the incident the accused had attacked them and the deceased.
It was not ascertained what prompted the altercation, he said.
Community members handed in a petition to the court, asking that bail be denied.
Cele’s Legal Aid attorney, Thandokuhle Dlamini, said his client, who had no previous convictions or pending cases, intended entering a plea of not guilty.
In an affidavit presented to the court on why Cele should be granted bail, Dlamini said he was a matric pupil and had close family and school ties to the area.
State prosecutor SP Ntombela argued that the murder was premeditated.
She said that according to Kanyile’s evidence, there was no argument between the victim and the deceased on the day. However, there was an altercation a week before.
Ntombela said the murder appeared to have been planned.
“It might have been a grudge act on the part of the applicant.”
Speaking outside the court, Premlall’s uncle Navesh said: “My nephew had many dreams. He wanted to start a car sales business. The person who took his life in such a cruel manner needs to be punished.”
The matter was adjourned to Thursday for judgment on the bail application.
Premlall died from his injuries at the RK Khan Hospital.