On 31 May, Parkwood community members took ‘justice’ into their own hands by brutally murdering Abongile Mafalala, who they wrongfully believed to be a suspect attempting to abduct a child of the community.
Pictures and videos of the mob action quickly went viral on social media, and a car was set alight off the M5 on Hyde Road, where the body of the deceased was seen stripped partially naked and severely burnt.
11 people have been arrested in connection with Mafalala’s murder. First, six people were arrested, and Cape Town mourned the loss of the e-hailing driver who never committed a crime.
A 19-year-old woman was later arrested. Police said that she would be charged with murder as she is believed to have incited the attack on the victim, and filmed the widely spread video footage of the incident.
Now, 11 face charges: Zharnay Johnson, Antonio Bailey, Ivan Ruiters, Nathan Leeman, Yuven Nawat, Bradley Murphy, Carlton Williams, Ashwin Tifflon, Remano Witbooi, Cheslyn Spanenberg and a 15-year-old minor.
Eric Ntabazalila, the National Prosecuting Authority Western Cape spokesperson, confirmed that all the accused had been charged with the murder of Mafalala, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and malicious damage to property.
The 15-year-old minor was reportedly released in the custody of his guardians, with “the matter” being postponed to 23 June.
In an update on the remaining suspects, it’s been reported that the bail application in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court was postponed until next week due to a dispute over the severity of the offence.
According to reports, Mafalala’s family and a group of people protested outside the court, demanding that “no bail be given to killers”.
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Picture: Cape {Town} Etc gallery