The four accused linked to a double murder involving insurance payout schemes in Motherwell in Gqeberha have abandoned their bids for bail.
The accused, Andisiwe Siwe Zondani (32), Siphamandla Spa Matsha (29), Ayanda Akhanani Yeklea (29), and Siphokazi Mabuto (27), face a total of 17 charges.
The charges include two counts of murder, six of conspiracy to commit murder, five of attempted murder, and multiple counts related to the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The State alleges that Mabuto orchestrated a hit on her aunt, Kholelwa Mabuto, who she referred to as her mother.
Kholelwa, who works at the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, had named Mabuto as a beneficiary on her insurance policies.
According to a statement released by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), a shooting incident at the Mabuto household in Motherwell on 17 April had rendered Kholelwa permanently blind.
Her brother, Thando Mabuto was injured as a result of the shooting.
NPA spokesman Luxolo Tyali said following the attack, Mabuto's boyfriend, Sicelo Manyashe brought his sister, Thembakazi, to assist in caring for Kholelwa.
Almost six months later on 9 October, another shooting took place at the same residence.
This time, six family members were present when Siyanda Mabuto and Manyashe were fatally shot.
"Police investigations have revealed that the crimes were allegedly motivated by a desire to claim insurance payouts and inheritance.
"The four accused were subsequently arrested and during their court appearance on Monday, they all abandoned their bail applications," said Tyali.
The accused appeared in the Motherwell Magistrates Court.
The case has been postponed to 25 November for further investigations.
