TWO days after the burial of the victims of the New Year's Day mass shooting in Soshanguve, Jukulyn, including a 14-year-old girl, a third suspect in the crime has already been released.
Sizwe Msibi appeared briefly before the Soshanguve Magistrates Court on four counts of murder, one attempted murder, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and two instances of unlawful possession of ammunition.
However, Msibi is now a free man as his case was struck off the roll. He appeared in court on 8 January, passing the 48-hour period for his detention after being arrested on 6 January.
His co-accused, George Ntuli, had his case remanded due to his absentia after the case was interrupted and laid down since his defence lawyer and the state couldn't establish his whereabouts.
The state only learnt during court proceedings that Ntuli was booked out on Monday evening and admitted for medical treatment at DR George Mukhari Hospital, thus, his case was remanded to join the other two suspects on Friday, 12 January.
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The mood was tense soon after the judge announced the decision. The residents along with the families of the deceased walked out of court outraged, hurt and in despair.
Andiswa Nhlapo, Vuyolwethu Ziwele's aunt, was furious that what she predicted had come true so quickly.
While Zingisile Jonga, Phomolang Molakapatlo's uncle, believes they are not being taken seriously and questions how the investigating officer who detained the suspect were unaware of the 48-hour period.
Koketso Molakapatlo's sister expressed continuous suffering of parents in Jukulyn and the urgency of solving the case for justice to prevail.
"If this case isn't solved, then justice won't be served, and the Jukulyn area will be worse," said Koketso.
Defence lawyer Steven Magoro said that the court is maintaining the law as it should be.
"SAPS were supposed to do their jobs properly, but they failed to do so," he said.
Magoro will represent two other defendants, Tshepo Masombuka and Sipho Kgomo, who are in custody and will make their second court appearance on Friday, 12 January.
