Jukulyn mass murder: Families scared and confused

THE families of the Jukulyn New Year's mass murder victims are not happy.

This after one of the four accused in the case was granted free bail by the Soshanguve Magistrates Court. 

Tshepo "Stompi" Mosimeni's release on Friday, 15 March, sparked outrage, distress and fear.  

Mosimeni, who had been denied bail on 15 February, was charged for being an accomplice in the premeditated murder as he's alleged member of a crime syndicate. 

Although a report application filed at RICA to confirm phone call records and determine whether they were registered in his name was delayed. Masimeni is a free man for now.

This comes after his defence attorney, Stephen Magoro filed an affidavit from Mosimeni's cousin who agreed to allow him to stay with him until the matter was resolved.

Magoro further convinced the court that Mosimeni wasn't a flight risk because he was attending his other case in the Pretoria North Magistrates Court, and there were no court orders against him.

When Magoro cross-examined the investigating officer, Sergeant Tshepo Seale, after his bail was denied, it was revealed in court that Mosimeni wasn't at the crime scene and had an alibi and evidence to back it up.

Seale acknowledged and validated that he had followed up by visiting both the applicant's and the council's residences. After he was given bail, the families affected were unable to suppress their pain and fear. 

Nandipha Ziwele, the mother of 14-year-old Vuyolwethu Zimele who was killed, said she felt numb. 

“I don't know how I'm feeling right now because I don't know what's going to happen next. I was hoping that all suspects would remain in custody throughout the case," Nandipha said.

She said they didn't know if they were safe because they still didn't know why the murders occurred that night.

Koketso Molakapatlo, the sister of slain Gopolang Molakapatlo, said there was no smoke without fire and that what happens in the dark always comes to light.

"I feel betrayed, sad, hurt and disappointed. It's like a roller-coaster of emotions that I can't describe," she said. 

Koketso said the judicial system had failed them.

Mosimeni's next court appearance is on Friday, 19 April, along with his co-accused Sipho Kgomo, George Nyathi and Sizwe Msibi, who remains in detention.