The murder suspect who is alleged to have terrorized the community of Kekana Gardens, Lucas Mphamo Makhubela aged 25, appeared in court today together with three other suspects, Thabang Molete 20, Harold Phiri and Philemon Ramona, facing charges of Murder, hijacking, kidnapping, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Constable Herman Moremi of Temba Police said the four are suspected of hijacking, kidnapping and murdering 22-year-old Vincent Nkale, who went missing for a week and was later found dead dumped in the bushes near Bosplaas.
This morning the community of Kekana Gardens gathered outside the Moretele Magistrate Court demanding that the main suspect, Mphamo, be released so that they can deal with him themselves. The police allowed only community leaders into court while other community members chanted outside demanding that the suspects be released into their hands.
After court, the suspects were sneaked out of court in private cars so that the community could not spot them in fear that the community could take the law into their hands.
Two of the suspects, Mr Makhubela and Mr Molete were arrested last Friday in Soshanguve after a week-long search and a shootout with the police. They were found with two unlicensed firearms and ammunition at the time of their arrest.
The two, Makhubela and Molete, attended court yesterday in Soshanguve for the case of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and then they were brought back to Moretele Magistrate Court today for the case of murder, hijacking, kidnapping of Nkale and possession of unlicensed firearms.
The two other suspects, Mr Phiri and Mr Ramona were arrested two weeks ago after the late Mr Nkale was found dead. One other suspect was shot and later died in hospital after a a shootout with the police.
The case was reminded to 10 August 2017 after the suspects requested legal aid.
A community member from Kekana Gardens said the community was still locked in a meeting that went on until after 21:00 in the evening.