Naziziphiwo Buso
Two of the five men accused of killing eight people at a birthday party in Kwazakhele in Gqeberha at the end of January have opted to abandon their bail application.
They are accused of killing brothers Vusumzi and Andile Sishuba, Kholekile France, Mbuyiseli Mboya, Nomatamsanqa Mandla, Liyema Poro, Nandipha Koliti, and Thando Fibi who died a few days later in hospital.
Mzwandile Mahambehlala, who was arrested first after police followed up on a tip-off that the suspects linked to the shooting were hiding out in Walmer Flats, limped in court on Monday.
Mahambehlala made a u-turn on his decision to apply for bail on Monday, while Luyanda April chose not to apply for bail at all.
The other accused, Siyabulela Funde, Luzuko Tsotsi, and Sinaye Tyesi all opted to apply for bail using private attorneys.
There was a heavy police presence inside and outside the courtroom on Monday as the matter took centre stage.
A group of people, clad in black clothes sang songs holding placards, outside the courtroom.
A few family members could not hold back tears as the men who seemed nonchalant stared at the full courtroom, looking for familiar faces.
The five men will remain in custody while the matter has been remanded to April 12 for those wanting bail to appoint legal counsel.
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