Five witnesses in the murder case of Alex FM DJ Joshua Mbatha have gone into hiding after allegedly receiving death threats.
Mbatha, affectionately known as “DJ Jorontinah”, was brutally killed by unknown gunmen after leaving work in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, in 2022. He was with two of his colleagues, whose names have been withheld for safety, when they were stopped by gunmen.
A total of 12 men were arrested and charged with the murder of six Alexandra residents in July 2022.
The suspects, aged between 18 to 35 and mostly from KwaZulu-Natal, were arrested at the local Nobuhle Hostel shortly after the July 2022 mass shooting which left six residents, including Mbatha, dead in a series of separate armed robbery incidents.
Fifteen other people sustained gunshot injuries.
It is alleged that the suspects were travelling in separate cars, robbed and randomly shot people during the night when there was load shedding. They allegedly robbed victims of their cellphones, shoes and other valuables.
The matter has since moved from the Wynburg Magistrate’s Court to the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, for trial.
The accused remained in custody.
The family of one of the witnesses, who works at Alex FM, said their son has been in hiding fearing for his life.
He witnessed Mbatha's murder as they were accosted by armed criminals while they were walking home from work.
The victim’s mother, whose name has been withheld, told an SABC journalist last week that males from the radio station were receiving death threats.
“My son is not around, he is at a place of safety,” said the mother.
Alex FM station manager, Takalane Nemangowe, told The Star that at the beginning of October 2023 that witnesses - their colleagues - alerted them of the death threats and they gave them time off as they tried to navigate on this issue. “The investigating officer and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) were informed about these threats and they advised the witnesses about the availability of State witness protection. We cannot comment further on the issue. As the station we always prioritised the safety of our colleagues,” said Nemangowe.
He said one witness returned to work officially this month (July) after he assured the station that he felt safe to resume his duties.
Nemangowe said safety measures were currently employed around him and the station could not divulge further details.
“He was advised to inform the IO which he did. As the station we have full confidence in the law enforcement agencies and we all want to see the matter being brought to conclusion for the sake of the family and colleagues to find closure.
“We have supported the colleagues in question and their safety, and of all the employees are important to the station,” said Nemangowe.
Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said their prosecutors promised to follow up the information with the investigating officer, as they indicated that they were not aware.
“The witnesses are advised to contact either the investigating officer, the prosecutor or the Senior Public Prosecutor so that they can refer their concerns to our office of Witness Protection. The matter is now in the High Court so they can inform either the investigating officer or the advocate seized with the case,” Mjonondwane said.
The Star