byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
13 August 2026
Eight suspects facing serious charges, including kidnapping, assault and murder, have been denied bail by the Evander Magistrate’s Court.
Zinhle Peaceful Nxumalo, Vincent Bheki Mhlongo, Santos La Macho, Sbusiso Abel Nkutha, Jacob Fumo, Alsina Mawayi, Bhekani Mhlongo and Thabo Ndlovu appeared before the court on 6 August 2026 for their bail application.
The accused face three counts of kidnapping, two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), as well as charges of housebreaking and murder.
During the bail proceedings, the defence presented affidavits from all eight accused, in which they stated that they plead not guilty to all the charges.
According to one of the affidavits, two individuals allegedly broke into a co-accused’s panel-beating business in Kinross and stole vehicle rims and other valuable items, allegedly intending to sell them. The accused allegedly recognised some of the stolen property to be of his co-accused and informed him so that he could confirm whether the items belonged to him.
The affidavit further states that, while at the panel beater, the deceased and another victim were brought to the premises by community members who were allegedly assaulting them and accusing them of terrorising the community.
In delivering its bail judgment, the court found that the eight accused had failed to satisfy the requirements for release on bail. The court also considered that some of the accused have previous convictions and pending cases related to gender-based violence (GBV).
The court further heard that one of the victims had obtained a protection order against the accused, stating that he feared for his life after allegedly being threatened with death.
The court subsequently denied bail to all eight accused, and they remain in custody.
The matter has been postponed to 3 September 2026 for further proceedings.
