Nazmie Lekay Denied Bail In Mitchells Plain Sisters’ Murder Case

The Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court has ruled that releasing Nazmie Lekay, the second accused in the murder of two sisters, would not be in the interest of justice. The magistrate found that the 33-year-old failed to prove any compelling or exceptional circumstances that could justify his release on bail.

Lekay, who is married with three minor children and is the family’s breadwinner, argued that his personal circumstances warranted bail. However, the court concluded that these factors could not outweigh the severity of the allegations he faces.

The decision follows the fatal shooting on 6 November 2025 in Portlands, Mitchells Plain, where sisters Zainap Smith Jacobs and Gouwah Smith Newman were gunned down while waiting outside a school for pupils to be dismissed. An adult bystander and a pupil leaving school were also injured.

Accused Shooter Given Time to Secure Legal Representation

Before Lekay’s bail proceedings continued, the court first addressed whether the alleged shooter, Ederies Smith, had secured legal representation.

Smith informed the court that he had consulted a lawyer and intended to be represented by well-known criminal attorney Raymond Davies, who was not present.

Smith was granted time to finalise his legal arrangements and ordered to return to court on 17 December with his attorney.

State Witnesses Link Lekay to the Crime Scene

During the bail hearing, the State outlined evidence from witnesses who allegedly placed Lekay at the centre of events surrounding the shooting.

One witness claimed to have seen the accused enter Lekay’s vehicle, while another stated they saw Lekay drop Smith off at his residence before attempting to dispose of a firearm.

The State argued that granting bail would pose a risk, suggesting Lekay might interfere with or destroy evidence if released.

In his ruling, the magistrate, whose name cannot be published, said, “I should consider all the relevant factors,” noting that while personal liberty is important, the interests of justice must take precedence.

Court Rejects Nazmie Lekay’s ‘Coincidence’ Defence

Lekay testified that he happened to be near the scene by chance, saying he had made a U-turn near the Hazeldene robots when he heard gunfire. He claimed he later saw Smith running towards his vehicle with a child and saying he was “being shot at”.

However, the magistrate rejected this account, stating that Lekay’s actions did not align with his claim of coincidence. The court questioned why he pulled over while shots were still being fired and how Smith could have recognised his vehicle through tinted windows if he supposedly did not know it.

The magistrate also highlighted that Lekay did not ask Smith why he was allegedly being targeted, calling this omission troubling.

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The court confirmed that it considered statements from witnesses and found a prima facie case suggesting Lekay acted as an associate accomplice. It emphasised that all evidence will still be tested during the trial.

Despite acknowledging the impact on Lekay’s children and family, the magistrate concluded, “Therefore, in the interests of justice, it is better suited that he be incarcerated. Bail denied.”

The case was postponed to 17 December for Smith to return with his legal representative.

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