ACCUSED number one in the AKA and Tibz murder case has begged to be released on bail so he can be present when his pregnant wife gives birth.
The five suspects, Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi (30), Lindelani Ndimade (30), Siyanda Myeza (22), Mziwethemba Gwabeni (36) and Lindokuhle Ndimande (29), appeared in the Durban Magistrates Court on Thursday, 14 March.
The suspects, who are linked to Kiernan "AKA" Forbes and Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane's murders, appeared for a bail application hearing.
However, it was only accused one and three who made the application while the other accused will be making the application in the next appearance.
Advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa read the affidavit on behalf of accused one, Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against him.
"He has no previous conviction and is out on R5 000 bail on charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition in a separate case," he said.
He said Mkhwanazi is from Mtubatuba, northern KZN, where he lives with his parents, sisters and wife. His address has been verified.
"Mkhwanazi is married to Hlengiwe Nyathi, who is pregnant with their first child. They were married in June last year. His wife is a qualified teacher," he said.
He said Mkhwanazi suffers from sinuses and asthma, and that medical certificates were attached. He said he owns a house that he built within his home yard with his wife.
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"The house amounts to R200 000. His wife had to get a loan of R100 000 in order to continue paying up for the house. He said he needs to be released so that he can assist his wife in paying for the loan," he said.
He said Mkhwanazi owns two taxis under the Dukuduku Taxi Association.
"He makes R40 000 a month from the two taxis. His father assisted him by getting a loan from him to start the business. He also needs to be released so that he can continue paying for the loan his father took for him," he said.
He said Mkhwanazi also wanted to be released to be present when his wife gives birth to their child.
"Further more, the state has no strong case against him, especially the money laundering charges," he said.
And the affidavit of accused three, Siyanda Myeza, was also read by his representative, Yolanda Gielink. She said Myeza was unemployed, had three minor kids and lived in Umlazi.
"He once worked at a local shisanyama. But when he was arrested, he was unemployed and searching for a job," she said.
She said Myeza was also released on R5 000 bail for other charges.
However, AKA’s dad, Tony Forbes, said: "Accused one mentions his wife a lot, and I think that's irrelevant."
Magistrate Vincent Hlatshwayo adjourned the matter to Monday, 18 March for further investigations.
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