MIDDELBURG – The three men accused of assaulting, kidnapping and murdering Thembeni Mnguni and Wanda Mahlangu of Laersdrift, near Stoffberg, are reminded in custody following a failed attempt to get bail.
On Monday, October 21, 2024, the Middelburg Magistrates Court threw out the window their bail application.
The Court said that the accused failed to prove the exceptional circumstances warranting their release on bail, while evidence submitted by the State suggest that Reinhardt Steyn, Chriswell Masilela and Dumisani Luthuli are responsible for the disappearance of Mnguni and Mahlangu whose burnt bodies were found hidden in a heavy duty woven polypropylene bag dumped under the bridge on Vandyksdrift road in Middleburg.
The victim’s demise follows an alleged incident of assault and kidnapping that took place at Elandslaagte farm managed by Steyn after the victims were suspected of stealing sheep.
The accused are facing counts of assault, kidnapping, murder, attempted murder, malicious damage to property and defeating the ends of justice.
They, through statements read by their lawyers Advocates Werner Jongbluth and Katlego Dolamo, denied any involvement in the alleged crimes.
Highlighting their strong opposition for bail, the Laersdrift community submitted a petition- accepted by Court as part of exhibit-with more than 90 signatures.
When delivering his judgement, Magistrate Solomon Gololo said the Court was in agreement with the State that the commission of the crimes has induced a sense of shock to the community.
He added that the court has not solely relied on the petition handed in by the State. “The Court also evaluated the State’s case and found to be of such a nature that it outweighs the mere denial that is contained in the affidavits of the applicants,” he said.
The Court’s decision was welcomed by the Mahlangu family saying it represented justice. “We think justice has been served so far, and we are happy that they [accused] will stay in prison until they are found guilty,” said May Mahlangu, Wanda’s uncle.
The case is postponed to November 01, 2024 for further investigations.
