Pretoria - Five men accused of killing Collins Chabane Municipality mayor Moses Maluleke have been remanded in custody after appearing in the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court this week.
Avhatakali Mulaudzi, Shumani Nemadodzi, Avhatakali Isaac Mudau, Wisani Baloyi and Tshianeyo Munyai are facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The case was postponed to September 29 for a bail application.
While four of the suspects have abandoned their bail bids, Baloyi will apply for bail at their next court appearance.
Maluleke, 56, was shot and killed at his home in Xikundu village in July during an alleged botched robbery. His 18-year old son was also shot but recovered in hospital.
Police spokesperson Motlafela Mojapelo said at the time: “Three unknown suspects entered the Maluleke’s home at 7pm and demanded money. When the pair could not comply, they were shot.
The mayor succumbed to his injuries; his son was rushed to hospital.”
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Nzhangi said Munyai is linked to several other cases, including the murder of prominent lawyer Mbambedzeni James Manwadu, 46, killed at his home in January.
Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, who was at the court, said justice should take its course. Some say the killing of the mayor could have been a political hit because of Maluleke’s hard-handed approach when it came to local government tenders.
Pretoria News