Five suspects appeared in Wynberg Magistrate’s Court today facing charges of murder, aggravated robbery and malicious damage to property.
This comes after an e-hailing driver, Abongile Mafalala, was killed in a gruesome mob justice attack in Parkwood, Grassy Park last week. The man was beaten, robbed and set alight next to his Toyota Avanza after he accepted a trip request from two men in the area.
Residents in the area alleged that the 30-year-old Mafalala, who was driving a Toyota Avanza, had tried to snatch a child in the area. Countless residents then came out, attacked the man and set him and his vehicle alight on the open field next to the M5.
Six men were arrested last week and five of them, Yuven Newt, Nathan Leeman, Ashwin Tifflon, Carlton Williams, and Bradley Murphy appeared in court today, according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila.
He said the State considered the crime as a serious matter, and they plan to oppose bail.
“Their case was postponed to next Monday for bail information, for the docket to be sent to the DPP’s (Director of Public Prosecutions) office to determine if an advocate will be appointed for the case and for some of the accused to get private attorneys.
“The court was advised that more arrests are going to be made,” he said.
While some residents in the community have come together to raise funds for the funeral of the victim, Dunoon residents were protesting outside court today calling for justice for the victim. The case is expected to resume on Monday, next week.
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Picture: Cape Town ETC