Durban — Two pastors charged with the murder of an activist of the shack dwellers’ movement Abahlali baseMjondolo (ABM) were yet again denied bail.
Brothers Mhlanganelo John Ngubane, 70, and Samson Ngubane, 59, appeared at the Durban Magistrate’s court for a bail application on Wednesday. They are alleged to have killed Nokuthula Mabaso.
Magistrate N Mhlungu said there was no new evidence brought before the court that proved exceptional circumstances existed for their release.
In September, the pair were also denied bail after the court found that the accused failed to satisfy the court with reasons to release them on bail.
The court said that if they were released on bail there was a likelihood they would endanger the community and intimidate the witnesses.
In the previous bail application, defence lawyer Nkosikhona Zulu told the court John had health issues. However, Mhlungu said no evidence relating to that was produced.
The matter was then adjourned for further investigations. However, Zulu said he intended to apply for leave to appeal against the bail decision.
The brothers, after handing themselves over to the Cato Manor police station in July, were charged with two counts, included premeditated murder and aggravated robbery.
The court heard how the brothers denied knowing Nokuthula Mabaso and the State witnesses who pointed them out as the killers.
According to a police report, Mabaso was shot four times in the back and her phone was stolen on July 5.
She was an ABM meeting at eKhanana informal settlement in Durban.
Daily News