THE suspects who were arrested on Tuesday morning, 2 January in connection with the New Year's Day mass shooting in Soshanguve, Tshwane appeared in the Soshanguve Magistrates Court on Thursday, 4 January.
Tshepo Stompie Masombuka (30) and Sipho Rusty Kgomo (33) appeared on four counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
Emotions were high as Magistrate Swart postponed the case to Friday, 12 January for a formal bail application and to establish the scheduling of the offence as the specialised investigating officers arrived late with the docket, prolonging the court proceedings.
The courtroom was packed and when Masombuka and Kgomo entered the courtroom, those in public gallery, including the victims' families, cursed at them and called them "witches".
Jonga Zingisile, the uncle of one of the victims, Phomolo Malakapatlo, told Daily Sun he has no idea how he feels as his niece is in the mortuary and they don't know whether justice will be served or not.
He said while he doesn't recognise or know the suspects because he is not from the area, the locals know them.
"My family is considering relocating. Our grandmother, who had been admitted to hospital, has been discharged, but is depressed," he said.
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Andiswa Ntlapo, the aunt of another victim, Vuyolethu Ziwele (14), expressed pain and outrage that her niece will be buried as a result of the suspects.
“The family is in difficulty, especially after the first appearance today. We are clearly broken and extremely sad. There's no other way to put it,” she said.
Rose Maake, the aunt of killed police officer Mpho Kgobotlo, said cops showed their abilities when they bust the suspects in less than 72 hours, adding that the legal system will not let them down.
"No amount of words can express our pain. We are shattered. All we want is justice to be served," said Rose.
Tlhogi Moseki, national chairman of The Transformation Alliance, was in court to support the families.
He asked the judiciary and courts to continue holding the offenders accountable until the matter was rectified.
Moseki vowed that he would not allow a state of lawlessness in South Africa and remained dedicated to helping the family and community in their quest for justice.
