SEEING the faces of the five men charged with the murders of their loved ones evoked a lot of emotions for the families of the Mdlalose Tavern shooting victims.
But when some of the accused allegedly laughed at the residents who had filled the Orlando Magistrates Court in Soweto yesterday, 18 October, they were fuming and baying for blood.
Some of the residents struggled to hold back their anger, frustration and tears.
The accused’s alleged laughter made them wish for the death penalty.
A visibly furious Siziwe Mngonyama told Daily Sun: “They looked at us and laughed. It means they are happy with what they did.
- “The death penalty must be brought back because we are dying.
“Criminals don’t have regard for human life.”
Defence lawyer for accused one and two told the court that his clients were beaten by police officers and has put in an application for them to get treatment.
“My clients are complaining of being assaulted by the police and they were never provided with any medication except for Ibuprofen (painkillers).
“Eight weeks is too long, they need to be seen and treated by a doctor,” he said.
The defence’s request for the accused to get medical treatment also didn’t sit well with residents. Siziwe.
She said when their children were massacred, they were not given a chance to seek medical attention.
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Cops had to whisk the accused away after their appearance as angry residents of Lahlumlenze, including Afrika Sonzama who is a survivor, wanted to get their hands on them.
The case was postponed to 8 November.
Afrika Sonzama, who is a survivor, said he hopes they get 15 minutes with the accused at the same spot where they were shot.
