‘It’ll be dangerous to free Msibi’
Investigating officer tells court politicians are out for revenge over duo’s deaths
The investigating officer in the double murder case against former Mpumalanga MEC Mandla Msibi has shed light into the shooting incident that claimed the lives of two ANC members outside a popular joint in Mbombela.
W/O Boy Bhila told the Nelspruit magistrate’s court yesterday that the shooting happened after arguments over the party’s candidates list verification meeting that was held at Nutting House Lodge, outside Mbombela.
He said a car belonging to one Mr Nkalanga was shot at and they called their group and went to the police station to open a case. Bhila said Dingaan Ngwenya, Sindela Sipho Lubisi and Sfiso Mpila had gone to Coyotes Shisa Nyama where they were shot at by a group of 15 people.
“According to my witnesses, a group of plus or minus 15 people attacked the three [Ngwenya, Lubisi and Mpila] while they were in the car parking lot. They tried to run for their lives, but Ngwenya and Lubisi fell down while Mpila managed to run away, but accused number three [Msibi], according to my witness, shot him in the leg,” said Bhila.
Bhila said accused number four (Anele Sonke Mnisi) is seen on CCTV footage shooting Ngwenya, even though he was already dead. He said Mnisi was also seen picking up cartridges at the scene.
Bhila said Mkhonto used a pavement brick to smash the car while the deceased were still inside.
Magistrate Suzan Monaledi asked Bhila if there were any bullets found in the bodies of the deceased.
Bhila said two bullets were found in Ngwenya’s head.
“In fact, his whole body (Ngwenya) had bullet wounds, but only two bullets were found lodged in the head. On Lubisi, we only found bullet wounds all over his body but there was no bullet [lodged in his body],” said Bhila.
He said the accused should not be released on bail as their lives could be in danger due to infighting in the ANC.
Bhila said there were two groups fighting in the party, and releasing Msibi, 45, Njabulo Mkhonto, 28, and Mnisi, 26, on bail would be putting their lives in danger as “politicians seek revenge”.
“If released on bail, it will not be right, the accused’s lives are in danger. As the police, it is our duty to protect people but police cannot protect someone 24/7.
“Number two, we also don’t know what the families of the deceased think or would do [to them]. This matter involves politicians and politicians like to [seek] revenge,” said Bhila.
During cross-examination, Msibi’s lawyer accused the state of being biased and siding with one political group.
“I would put it to you that the accused intends to refuse that they killed or intended to kill or hurt anyone. I put it to you that the accused are not being treated fairly because the instigation of all this is politics and you decided to choose sides from the group of politicians,” said Jordaan.
Police said the other suspects, Joseph Charlie Ngwenya, 35, and Tshepo Matsane, 30, were arrested on September 17. They were granted bail of R20,000 each.
Outside the court, thousands or Msibi’s supporters chanted and sang Struggle songs, calling for his release. Police used barbed wire to blockade Bester Street from Nelspruit police station to the court.
The matter was rolled over to tomorrow.