There is a high police presence outside the Nelspruit magistrate's court where Mpumalanga MEC for agriculture, rural development, land and environmental affairs Mandla Msibi is applying for bail in his double murder case as his supporters chant slogans.
About 1,000 people have gathered outside the court in support of Msibi who is also the provincial ANC’s elections manager.
He also faces a charge of attempted murder for the shooting that happened outside Coyotes Chisa Nyama in Mbombela on August 22.
Bester Street towards the Nelspruit police station and the magistrates court was closed to traffic on Tuesday.
Msibi handed himself to the police on Monday morning.
He is accused of killing Dingaan Ngwenya and Sindela Lubisi and injuring Sifiso Mpilo.
On Monday afternoon, Msibi told the court that he was innocent and that the charges were politically motivated.
Msibi, through his lawyer Adv Coert Jordaan, said police were being used.
Former Mbombela municipal councillor Joe Koster told Sowetan that he was in court to support Msibi as a friend, adding that he believed Msibi was being targeted by people who don’t like his anti-corruption stance.
“I've known him since we were both councillors in Mbombela. Mandla is a very principled man who doesn’t like corruption and is not afraid to speak and tell people if they are wrong, hence his arrest.
"He’s a man who is working towards development, especially in his community of Pienaar where he was born,” said Koster.
Ward 2 secretary Walker Sikonela said news of the arrest "came as a devastating shock to the leadership and membership of the ANC ward 2 branch where Msibi comes from".
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.