THE state has dropped charges against four of the six men accused of the mass shooting at Mdlalose tavern in Nomzamo Park, Soweto.
The shooting happened in July 2022, leaving 16 people dead.
The charges against accused one, two, five and six were dropped on Monday, 12 June, during their court appearance in the Orlando Magistrates Court, Soweto.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokeswoman, Phindi Mjonondwane, confirmed to Daily Sun the case against four men was dropped due to lack of evidence.
Meanwhile, the court’s gate was closed, and furious Nomzamo residents chanted outside.
They were armed with their sjamboks, sticks and spears.
Mahle Malunga, who lost his two brothers aged 27 and 24 on that fateful day, told Daily Sun that losing his younger brothers has affected them.
“What happened broke our hearts because those were very young boys. We had so much hope and believed in them to change their home situation. We are trying to forget about what happened. However, with the ongoing court case, it's almost impossible. Every time we come here, we start bleeding from scratch,” said Mahle.
Mablues Nzimande told Daily Sun that he lost his brother due to the shooting and they've been trying to work with the law enforcement agencies to look for the murderers after the shooting.
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“After the killing and shooting spree, we didn’t understand what was happening, but someone came forth with information and the perpetrators were arrested.
“We are here for the fourth time, and all we want is to know what the law is saying. Our wish is that the accused must not be granted bail. One of them is already out on bail. The person who was responsible for this case is also said to have died, and it is alleged that he was killed. This leaves us confused because one accused is already out on bail,” added Mablues.
Sphumelele Mngonyama said his brother also died during the shooting, and he's not satisfied with the court proceedings.
“Some are getting bail. We are not satisfied with what is happening to this case,” said Sphumelele.
Mablues said that if the case is withdrawn due to the rightful reasons according to law, they will accept it.
The case has been postponed to 20 June.
