Durban — Two men charged with the murder of a taxi operator were denied bail at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Mfanafuthi Enerst Madlala, 39, and Sifiso Solomon Sokhulu, 43, appeared in court for their bail decision.
The late Nkosikhona Ngcobo, 49, who was a taxi operator and allegedly dating Madlala’s ex-girlfriend, was shot dead at a taxi rank on July 10, 2022.
According to the court papers, Madlala had told one of the witnesses that he would take revenge on Ngcobo for taking his girlfriend. Both accused were seen at the taxi rank on several occasions looking for Ngcobo, but did not mention the reason.
It is reported that on the day of the murder, at about 8pm, the deceased drove away to his place of residence.
“He was about to turn on the corner of Ramchad and Effingham Road when he was attacked and shot by the same two suspects previously seen at the taxi rank. Both of them were carrying firearms in their hands, which were clearly visible to the witness,” it read.
Court papers further stated that Sokhulu was seen roaming around the crime scene at around 11pm when one of the witnesses pointed him out.
Upon further investigation, Madlala was located after he was also identified by the witness.
“Both accused were clearly identified by the witness, since they are well known to the witness, and Madlala’s licensed firearm was recovered at the crime scene. It was forwarded to ballistics together with bullet heads found on the deceased body, and the result came in positive,” it said.
In an affidavit from Madlala, he denied knowing Ngcobo and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
“I was at work when the police came to arrest me on Monday, July 11, 2022. I was then told that I was being charged with murder.
“I was shocked to hear the police ask where I was the night before. I told them I was at home with my child. The police still took me to the police station where I was formally charged. I don’t even know the person, why would I kill him?
“I am employed as a truck driver. I have young children and family who depend on me. I cannot provide for them while I am in custody,” it said.
Meanwhile, father of five Sokhulu said the state’s case was weak as it held nothing linking him to the offence.
“I was arrested at night when the community was gathered around the man who had been shot. Then I saw some of them pointing (at me) and I was immediately arrested. But I did not do anything,” said Sokhulu.
The state argued that the court had nothing to track both accused down to a specific place, and therefore posed a flight risk in relation to the accused knowledge of state witnesses.
The state said the court needed to show the public that they could rely on the courts.
Giving the judgment on Thursday, the judge said both accused had failed to produce circumstantial reasons to convince the court to grant bail.
“No proof of birth certificates, unemployment letters or bank statements were offered to prove they were producing accurate information,” he said.
Daily News