Atenkosi Plaatjie
The lone suspect arrested in connection with the mass shooting that left eight people dead in Kwazakhele has indicated that he will apply for bail.
Mzwandile Mahambehlala limped into the New Magistrate's Court on Monday, on crutches for a brief appearance in connection with the 29 January shooting that left four men and three women dead.
The eighth victim died later in the hospital.
The homeowner, Vusumzi Sishuba, who was celebrating his birthday, and his brother Andile, were among those killed.
33-year-old Mahambehlala was arrested on Friday after police followed up on a tip-off that six suspects linked to the shooting were hiding out in Walmer Flats.
The five were able to get away, and a manhunt for them is still ongoing.
Meanwhile, a small group of people protested outside the court.
They refused to speak to the media but held up banners indicating that they believed that the police had arrested the wrong suspect.
However, Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner Major-General Vuyisile Ncata rejected these claims.
"We are very sure that we have arrested the right person. We wouldn't have charged him if we weren't sure and we are continuing with the investigation and we must just allow the courts now to decide. As far as we are concerned we have done our work and that is why we took some time to solve this case," Ncata added.
Addressing Mahambehlala's visible injuries, Ncata told the media that he had sustained a gunshot wound before his arrest.
"He was not assaulted by the police, he has a gunshot wound, but the police did not shoot at him. We cannot be blamed for his injuries sustained prior to the arrest" he added.
Major-General Ncata told the media that the State would oppose Mahambehlala's release on bail.
The 33-year-old's formal bail application is expected to get underway on the 13th of March 2023.
