KNYSNA NEWS - Communities are generally warned by authorities against taking the law into their own hands. However, questions remain over the evidence against two Bongani men accused of murder following an alleged vigilante attack.
Michael Xolani Hamza (42) and Melikhaya Mphekeleni (33) face two counts of murder and kidnapping each following the deaths of two men allegedly accused of stealing electricity cables and copper in the community.
According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Chris Spies' initial response to the matter, two men were allegedly dragged from a shack near Mbetane Street in Khayalethu on 6 July and taken to Bongani, where they were assaulted.
The victims, aged 33 and 44, sustained serious injuries and were transported to Knysna Provincial Hospital, where they were later declared dead.
The accused first appeared in the Knysna Magistrate's Court on 10 July. In his bail ruling, Magistrate Mark Nichols noted that the likelihood of both accused being acquitted on the murder charges could not be discounted.
He pointed out that neither accused could be placed at the second scene where the victims ultimately died and that there was no direct evidence linking either to the brutal assaults.
Hamza, who has a previous 25-year sentence for robbery and allegedly breached his parole conditions, was denied bail. He served 15 years before being released on parole last September.
Mphekeleni, a former ANC Ward 7 councillor candidate whose candidacy was withdrawn following the charges, has no previous convictions. He was granted bail on Wednesday 2 September and released on warning under strict conditions.
Both accused are scheduled to reappear in the Knysna Magistrate's Court on 7 October for further investigation. The matter is also expected to be screened for possible referral to the regional court.
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