Third suspect in Mihalik’s murder

THE THIRD suspect in the murder of criminal defence lawyer Pete Mihalik made a brief appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Vuyile Maliti, 35, joined Sizwe Biyela, 26, and Nkosinathi Khumalo, 31, in the dock where they face charges of murder, attempted murder and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Maliti gave himself up to the police on Wednesday.

It’s understood he is a taxi boss in the Khayelitsha area. Security was tight in court.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said Maliti was from Kuils River, while the other accused hailed from KwaZulu-Natal.

Magistrate Greg Jacobs granted state prosecutor Helene Booysen’s request to hold the three suspects in separate prisons for their own safety “based on information from the investigating officer”.

The first two suspects were arrested soon after Mihalik, 50, was shot in the head in Green Point.

The State alleged that the accused had also intentionally attempted to kill Mihalik’s son.

The other charges relate to the alleged possession of a 9mm unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The case has been postponed to Thursday.