THE family of Dumisani Mahlangu (30), who had his hands chopped off, said the state should reconsider its decision.
This after the Witbank Magistrates Court granted bail of R5 000 each to Zimbabwean pastor Solomon Mhlanga (55) and his son Enoch Mhlanga (20) on Tuesday, 9 April.
The state didn't oppose the release of the accused from custody. State prosecutor Fannie Mavundla told the court that there was no evidence that the accused, if released on bail, would endanger society, commit schedule 1 offences, obstruct witnesses and evade trial.
Mavundla explained that both accused have strong family and emotional ties in the Emalahleni area.
Mavundla said that the identity of the complainant is known to the accused and that the state is therefore considering imposing bail conditions that the accused have no contact with the victim, report to Vosman Police Station twice a week, and surrender their travel documents.
Daily Sun ran the story under headline: Pastor 'chops' off man's hands!
"The only factor against the accused is that the state has a single witness to the incident, the manner in which the offence was committed induces a sense of shock, it was very barbaric. That cannot be denied, but that is the only fact. With this in mind, the state is requesting that both defendants be released on bail," he said.
The father and son are facing charges of attempted murder and kidnapping. The charges stem from an incident that took place in Vosman in March. It's alleged that the duo accused Mahlangu of stealing batteries and other items from their church.
Mahlangu was travelling along Kroomdraai Road towards Extension 16 in Vosman, Emalahleni when the suspects allegedly pointed a firearm at him, grabbed him and forced him into a bakkie where they tied his hands and legs.
The suspects allegedly told him they were going to kill him. They then drove into the bushes and when they got there, they got out of the bakkie, cut a branch from a tree, placed both his hands on it and chopped off the hands with a panga.
The matter was postponed to Wednesday, 22 May for further investigation. The court pointed out that another suspect is yet to be arrested and has already been issued summonses.
