Cape Town – Angry residents have reportedly threatened to take the law into their own hands if six men accused of the Soweto tavern mass shooting are granted bail.
In July last year, 15 people were killed at Mdlalose tavern when a group of men armed with rifles and 9mm pistols entered the tavern and started shooting randomly at the patrons.
Reports said that angry residents protested outside the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday during one of the accused’s bail hearing.
One of the victim’s father, Zwelibanzi Nzimande, 61, told the court that the community was still angry and would not hesitate to take matters into their hands should bail be granted to any of the suspects in custody, reported IOL.
“I can safely confirm, without fear or favour that we as families and the community will not hesitate to take the matter into our own hands should the magistrate grant any of the accused bail. Anyone can agree that the people do not deserve bail.” Nzimande was quoted saying in the report.
He said “should they be given bail, we will not hesitate to kill them with our bare hands”, the report said.
However, later on Monday, the court granted the former cop R35 000 bail in absentia after he was admitted to a prison hospital, reported News24.
The report said the former cop suffered a mild stroke in prison and was not receiving the correct medication.
Magistrate AW Morton ordered the applicant to report to the Klerksdorp police station every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, the report said.
According to the magistrate, there was no evidence linking the officer to the case, the report said.
“The State must prove the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt. He is not a flight risk. There is no evidence he will intimidate witnesses. He doesn’t stay in Gauteng,” Morton was quoted saying.
The judgment didn’t not mention the accused’s safety and the case was postponed to 12 June, said the report.
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
