Prosecutor Johan De Vries requested the Magistrate order that no pictures of the accused, Xolisile Mbebetho, be allowed to be taken during these proceedings and that no media house is allowed to disclose where the accused - believed to be one of the assassins - is currently being detained. 

When probed on reasons why the state felt this was necessary, De Vries said following the 39-year old’s arrest, more people could be implicated and they do not want the general public to be aware of what he looks like or where he is detained.

Siemens, the Director of Day Hospital, City Med, was gunned down in the basement parking area of Preller Square on Thursday afternoon, May 10. Several people have been arrested and made court appearances in the wake of the murder. They are businessman, Stanley Bakili, Molebatsi Mogoera, a detective from the Bayswater unit; and Kagiso Chabane, a court orderly.

Mbebetho who was apprehended by authorities on Wednesday evening in Phahameng appeared before the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court today in a leg brace and crutches. 

He was having what appeared to be immense difficulty walking and it was initially thought that he would not be able to go up the stairs leading into the dock in court room 20. He however, told authorities he would try to walk up. 

His injury was mentioned during proceedings, as he couldn’t stand when addressed. There was however no mention of how he got injured. Dressed in a blue top and white shorts the accused greeted the court officials around him as he unsteadily made his way into the dock. 

The state requested the matter be remanded to November 9 where he will join his co-accused back in court. 

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