Bail hearings resume in Andile Mbuthu's murder case
The six men accused of the murder of Tongaat teen, Andile 'Bobo' Mbuthu, will find out this week whether they will be granted bail.
On Tuesday, the accused - tavern owner Mlungisi Thabethe and five others - Andile Nhleko, Mncedisi Mzobe, Siyanda Msweli, Lindani Ndlovu, and Malusi Mthembu appeared at the Verulam Magistrate's Court where their attorney, Chris Gounden, presented his closing arguments.
They are accused of kidnapping Mbuthu in May and allegedly killing him before burning his body, throwing it in a bag filled with rocks and dumping it into a river in Hambanathi.
The case got off to a rough start when no interpreter could be found to assist with translations for the accused - leaving uncertainty as to whether the proceedings would continue.
Gounden, however, insisted on proceeding - assuring the court that his clients are able to understand and will not be left in the dark.
READ: Bail hearing for Andile Mbuthu's murder suspects continues
He started his argument by claiming that his clients - charged with murder and kidnapping - were given no specific reason why the State opposed their bail.
Gounden argued that there was no clear indication as to where information on the affidavits had come from - claiming that the investigating officer was trying to mislead the court.
Gounden said that this is an open and shut case, claiming that his clients have given no reason not to be granted bail.
He said video footage of the victim does not implicate any one of the accused.
He said a petition handed in to the court by the community for no bail looks fabricated and isn't reliable.
The case has been adjourned till Wednesday, where the State will give their closing arguments.
