COURT DENIED BAIL TO A MAN ACCUSED OF MURDER
The Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court denied bail to Lungelo Samkelo Nkosi (26). He is facing three counts of murder and attempted murder; it is alleged that Nkosi was the driver of a motor vehicle used by three hitmen who have not been arrested yet. It is alleged that on 15 May 2024, the three deceased persons were travelling in a blue vehicle on Mngomezulu Street, Atteridgeville. The car was blocked by another motor vehicle driven by the accused, and three men came out and started shooting. The driver of the Tazz managed to run away unharmed and the other three men were shot two men died on the scene, while one died on his way to the hospital.
The accused was arrested the same day, a few hours after the incident when he went to open a false case of hijacking at the police station and was recognised by the driver of the Tazz who was also at the police station to report the incident. In court, through an affidavit, the accused denied committing the offence and informed the court that he intends to plead not guilty to the offences. He also informed the court that he is employed as a taxi driver and asked to be released on bail so he can continue to provide for his family and his 11-month-old baby.
However, the prosecutor Rhulani Maluleke opposed the accused release on bail and told the court that the accused committed a resinous offence and that the state had a strong case against the accused. Furthermore, the accused misled the court about his involvement in the matter. The Magistrate Anita Johnson dined the accused bail and said she found that the accused was not honest with the court on his bail application and found that the state had a strong case against the accused. Furthermore, magistrate Johnson agreed with the state that he failed to show exceptional circumstances which in the interest of justice permitted his release on bail.
The matter was postponed to 04 June 2024, for his first appearance at the regional court.
