Two accused await bail decisions in Lali murder

Two of the four men accused of murdering Emalahleni Local Municipality Chief Whip Xoliseka Lali will learn this week whether the Komani Magistrates Court will grant them bail.

Mvuzo Mafanya and Aphiwe Mthi both appeared in court to apply for bail. Mafanya’s bail application, based on new facts, was postponed to Tuesday for a ruling. Mthi, who was making his first bail application, had his matter postponed to 6 August after his legal representative failed to appear in court.

The case, which drew large crowds when it first appeared in court last year, saw an empty public gallery on Monday.

The other two accused have already had their bail matters dealt with. Co-accused Sonwabo Siko was denied bail, while Bavuyise Mdingi and Mthi had previously abandoned their bail applications.

Lali was shot and killed last year, a murder that sparked outrage across Emalahleni and the wider Chris Hani District. The four men face charges of murder in connection with his death.

The court is expected to deliver its decision on Mafanya on Tuesday, with Mthi’s fate to be determined when his case resumes next week.