Mandlakayise Makhunga, 44, Jaulane Mlambe, 30, and Sabelo Mchunu, 25, appeared in the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (26/3). The trio is facing six counts of murder, 17 counts of attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition related to the shooting in February.

Makhunga was denied bail, while his co-accused abandoned their bail applications. They will all remain in custody till at least Thursday, 30 April, while the investigation continues.

The suspects, driving a hijacked Nissan Juke, ambushed a minibus travelling from Johannesburg to Lesotho and opened fire on the passengers and the driver, causing the vehicle to overturn.

The accused allegedly rammed the taxi, exited their vehicle, and hijacked a nearby vehicle before fleeing the scene. Police nearby responded after being alerted by the hijacking victim and chased the accused.

The Nissan used by the suspects was reportedly stolen in eMalahleni (Witbank) in September.

“The investigating officer’s affidavit highlighted that Makhunga does not have a fixed address, failed to cooperate with police, and misrepresented information in his bail affidavit, including claims of owning a farm,” said Gauteng NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahinjana.

“The state argued that the accused poses a flight risk and that his release would not be in the interests of justice. In denying bail, the magistrate found that the state has a strong case against Makhunga and that he attempted to mislead the court.”

The court also noted his lack of a fixed address and the likelihood that he would evade trial, particularly considering the severity of the charges and the potential for multiple life sentences, she said.

During the chase, the accused abandoned the hijacked vehicle and fled into nearby bushes. Mlambe and Mchunu were apprehended shortly thereafter. Makhunga, barefoot and with a gunshot wound, was arrested a few hours later in the Klip River area after being spotted by security officers.

Gauteng deputy police commissioner Fred Kekana said all the victims of the shooting are Lesotho nationals. The motive for the shooting is unclear.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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