Eight murder suspects remanded in custody after Bholothwa killing

Eight men accused of the murder of a 25-year-old man in Bholothwa have been remanded in custody following their appearance in the Bholothwa Magistrate’s Court.

According to the Eastern Cape SAPS, the suspects appeared in court on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, after being arrested by Bholothwa police on Tuesday, 7 July.

The accused are Lucky Nokemane (36), Mthozami Mfanta (39), Lusanda Piyana (45), Andile Cetywayo (36), Gcobani Chebetyu (35), Sibulele Antoni (39), Sibusiso Makeleni (36) and Sinethemba Cetywayo (35).

Police said Nokemane also faces an additional charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

According to police, the incident began on Monday, 6 July, at a tavern in Mbinzana Locality under the Bholothwa Administration Area.

It is alleged the 25-year-old deceased, from Mayirheni Locality, was at the tavern when Nokemane confronted him and ordered him to leave, claiming the man had previously attempted to rob him.

Police allege Nokemane assaulted the man with closed fists before several other suspects joined in the attack using knives. The victim was allegedly dragged from the tavern.

The following morning, on Tuesday, 7 July, the man’s body was found in nearby dongas not far from the tavern. He had sustained serious upper body injuries.

Police were called to the scene and launched an investigation, which resulted in the arrest of the eight suspects later the same day.

During the investigation, police said they received information that a firearm allegedly belonging to the deceased had been taken during the incident. At about 21:00 on 7 July, officers allegedly recovered a revolver with three live rounds of ammunition after Nokemane directed them to a hole in his yard next to the tavern.

As a result, Nokemane now also faces charges relating to the alleged unlawful possession of the firearm and ammunition.

The eight accused appeared before the Bholothwa Magistrate’s Court on 8 July and were remanded in custody. The case was postponed to 15 July 2026 for a formal bail application.

The Chris Hani District Commissioner praised Bholothwa police for what SAPS described as their swift investigation, which led to the arrests within hours of the incident being reported.

The accused have been charged, but have not been convicted. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.