Three men pleaded not guilty to shooting dead an IFP supporter when they appeared in the Durban Regional Court.
|||Durban - Three men pleaded not guilty to shooting dead an IFP supporter when they appeared in the Durban Regional Court on Monday.
National Freedom Party councillor Mgezeni “Bhungu” Gwala, his son Celimpilo Gwala, and his security guard Skhumbuzo Nxumalo are charged with killing Cebisile Shezi.
She was shot dead outside the Thembalihle railway station, in KwaMashu, shortly after Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa addressed Inkatha Freedom Party supporters at a sports field in A-section, KwaMashu, on October 6. Shezi was wearing an IFP T-shirt at the time.
Mthethwa had been speaking to IFP supporters in an attempt to reduce tension in the area after the abduction of IFP councillor Themba Xulu. He been released on bail after he was arrested for allegedly trying to burn down Bhungu Gwala's house. Xulu's body was found the next day. He had been shot.
Originally another son, Bonginhlanhla Gwala, and another security guard, Sibusiso Ncengwa, were also charged with the murder. The charges were withdrawn.
The men's trial was set down for this week.
Sapa