12 Accused Granted Bail After Allegedly Hacking Five Robbers To Death

The Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court has granted bail of R5,000 to each of the 12 men accused of hacking five people to death with a bush knife in Bhambayi, iNanda, in January.

The accused allegedly took the law into their own hands, executing Ayabongwa Maduna, Buhle Dweshu, Nhlakanipho Ngubane, Yongema Zingwe, and Senze Lemese, whom they accused of terrorising the community.

Allegations of Vigilante Justice

According to reports, the victims were accused of multiple crimes, including rape, burglary, and assault. On January 16, community members allegedly decided to eliminate them, brutally attacking them before dumping their bodies at a sports field in Bhambayi.

The accused, identified as Aphelele Nhlanganiso, Qondokwakhe Jama, Linda Mthembu, Sibonelo Ntshangase, Mmeli Makhubalo, Sandiso Godagoba, Aphelele Hlengwa, Sipho Manqele, Zanemvula Mlotshwa, Nkululeko Mhlabezulu, Zolani Zwide, and Bongani Nkabinde, now face charges of murder, kidnapping, and attempted murder.

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The courtroom was packed with community members, many of whom were dissatisfied with the decision to grant bail. Court officials justified the ruling, stating that while the accused face serious charges, the bail amount reflects the gravity of the offences.

Community Reaction: Frustration Over Police Inaction

Bhambayi community spokesperson Blessing Nyuswa expressed relief that the accused were released on bail, insisting that the situation would not have escalated if police had acted on earlier complaints about the victims’ alleged criminal activities.

She also revealed that tension remains high in the area, with residents receiving threatening phone calls warning that “the war is not over.”

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