“Community may be tempted to avenge the death of Thembeni Mnguni and Wanda Mahlangu”
MIDDELBURG – The principal investigator in the Laersdrift farm murder case informed the court that the lives of Reinhardt Steyn, Chriswell Masilela, and Dumisani Luthuli would be gravely endangered if they were granted bail. Captain Sipho Khumalo of the Laersdrift police station testified during a bail hearing at the Middelburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 1 October. He asserted that releasing the trio on bail could potentially escalate the outrage among community members from the hometowns of Thembeni Mnguni and Wanda Mahlangu, who were allegedly killed for stealing livestock at the Elandslaagte farm managed by Steyn.
These three individuals are the only remaining applicants for bail, as a fourth suspect, Stephan Wilson, forfeited his bail after being convicted and sentenced to ten months in prison for violating immigration laws. Khumalo stated that he has received credible information indicating that the community is prepared to take drastic measures against the accused if they are released on bail. “I wish to draw the court’s attention to the fact that the community has made it clear that if the accused are granted bail, it would signify a lack of regard for justice in the eyes of the community, thus prompting them to take matters into their own hands,” he remarked.
He also mentioned, as one of the reasons for opposing bail, that police have witness testimonies confirming that the accused were armed during the commission of the crime. “These firearms were not confiscated and recorded in the SAP 13. If they were to be released on bail, they could potentially retrieve the firearms from where they were hidden and take actions to obstruct the investigation or harm the witnesses,” he explained.
Furthermore, he highlighted that five witnesses, who are single parents, reside in unsafe conditions and are still traumatised by the brutality displayed by the accused towards the victims. “These witnesses declined to enter the witness protection programme due to the lack of someone to care for their children.” Khumalo also informed the court about a petition submitted by the community opposing the suspects’ bail. “In the best interest of the community, as evidenced by the presence of numerous community members in this courtroom, a petition with 99 names and signatures was submitted,” he added.
He urged the court not to entertain the assurances made by the suspects through their defence that they would comply with bail conditions if released. He mentioned that all the suspects were uncooperative during their arrests, necessitating the use of force to access Steyn’s residence. “The situation with Luthuli was even more challenging as he immediately fled to KwaZulu Natal after the crime was committed,” the captain stated.
The proceedings have been adjourned until Thursday, 10 October, when a verdict will be delivered.
