Fired Mpumalanga agriculture land reform and rural development MEC Mandla Msibi and co-accused, charged with double murder and attempted murder, have been released on R20,000 bail each.
Msibi, Anele Mnisi and ward 45 councillor candidate Njabulo Mkhonto are accused of fatally shooting Dingaan Ngwenya and Lindela Lubisi and also injuring Sfiso Mpila outside Nelspruit Coyotes Chisa Nyama on August 22.
The three, who joined other two suspects in the case, handed themselves to the police last Monday after warrants of their arrest were issued. Delivering the bail judgment in the Nelspruit magistrate's court on Tuesday, magistrate Suzan Monaledi said the accused were not flight risk as they are known to the community.
She said the state failed to prove that the lives of the accused would be in danger when they are released as the defence has managed to satisfy the court.
“The court is satisfied that the accused should be given bail. Bail is set at R20,000 for each accused. Bail conditions are that the accused do not interfere with the investigation and not contact the witnesses to this case. They do not leave Mpumalanga without informing the investigating officer. They should also report at the Pienaar police station on Mondays and Fridays,” said Monaledi.
The case was postponed to December 6 for further police investigation.
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