Byline: Refeloe Letsoisa
25 August 2022
A fourth suspect, Hlabirwa Rasie Nkune (36), appeared before the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court in connection with Hillary Gardee’s murder today.
This brings a total of four accused in the matter, and they are all facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, rape, kidnapping, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition and defeating the ends of justice.
Hillary Gardee was abducted, and her body was found on Lydenburg road in May 2022.
During Nkune’s appearance in court today, it transpired that he has pending cases in two different courts in the province.
He is also facing a charge of murder of a woman (Nonkululeko Crystal Nkosi), in Delmas Magistrate’s Court and another case at KaNyamazane Magistrates, where he is facing two counts of murder, allegedly killed a police officer and her sister which occurred in May 2022.
He also has a previous conviction where he was sentenced to four years of correctional supervision, for possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Furthermore, on his appearance today, he decided to abandon his bail application.
Nkuna was arrested in his hide-out in Springs, for the murder of Nkosi, which allegedly happened in Sundra in June 2022.
He was re-arrested in Delmas while appearing on a Sundra matter hence his appearing before this court today.
The continuation of the bail hearing in respect of accused two (2) and three (3) continues on 02 September 2022, while the case involving Nkune, and his three co-accused was postponed to 09 September 2022.
All suspects are remanded in custody.
