‘Bozwana mastermind’ in the dock

THE FAMILY of slain businessman Wandile Bozwana believe there is an attempt to cover up the real mastermind behind his murder. A third suspect, allegedly the mastermind, was formally charged with Bozwana’s murder in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

“I don’t believe his story. I think he is being used to try to divert attention from the real person who killed Wandile,” said Benedict Bozwana, Wandile’s brother. “The story that Wandile was blocking tenders for him is not true. This man is a nightclub owner. What tenders was Wandile blocking? I think he was promised money to say he murdered Wandile,” said Benedict.

Benedict said the family were initially worried about the progress of the case when the docket was handed over to the Hawks for investigation. “We are now happy with how the case is going. The chief magistrate (Matric Luphondo) explained to us that the case was going well and we should not be fearful. It was worrying when we found out that the docket was handed over to the Hawks without any consultation with the family. We believed that it was being handled well before because they had already arrested some people,” he said.

Benedict said the family were still finding it difficult to come to terms with Wandile’s murder. “We have not yet found closure because we believe the man behind this is still out there.”

Magistrate Magowanbal Naidoo ordered the media not to reveal the identity of the third suspect, for his own safety. The man had appeared in connection with a housebreaking case before being formally charged with Bozwana’s murder and the attempted murder of his companion Mpho Baloyi.

The housebreaking case was postponed to January 22. The man has been charged with murder, attempted murder, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of ammunition and the unlawful production, distribution or possession of a device designed for the purpose of overcoming data protection security measures (a jamming device).

He reserved his right to apply for bail and will remain in custody until his next court appearance with the other two accused on February 17. He has a previous conviction for possession of suspected stolen property for which he received a fine and a suspended sentence.

Bozwana was gunned down as he and Baloyi stopped at a red traffic light at the Garsfontein offramp. They were taken to hospital where Wandile later died. Baloyi was discharged after two days.

“We have arrested who we believe is the mastermind,” said Hawks spokesman Hangwani Mulaudzi.

He hinted at the possibility of more arrests.