Murder suspect Athenkosi Sandlana (27) remains behind bars after he briefly appeared before the Bityi Magistrate Court, Mthatha on Monday.
Sandlana is accused of murdering a 38-year-old male victim in November 2023.
According to the police captain, Welile Matyholo, the OR Tambo Detectives’ Task Team revisited the murder docket after the court initially declined to prosecute the suspect.
“Team collected new evidence through their thorough investigation. The deceased 38-year-old male victim of the same locality quarreled with the suspect in a local tavern on 26th November 2023 at about 16H00 and as the victim went home to sleep, he was allegedly followed by the suspect who found him asleep and assaulted him with a steel chair. The victim was taken to hospital and later succumbed to his injuries,” he said.
A murder case was opened but the National Prosecuting Authority declined to prosecute due to insufficient evidence until intervention by the District Task Team which successfully pushed for enrolment of the case in court.
Athenkosi was rearrested on 15th January 2026 and he made a lawful confession
The case has since been postponed to 04th February 2026 for a formal bail application.
OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana applauded the Detectives’ Task Team for their excellent investigative skills, putting to life a docket which has been seen as stale whilst the alleged perpetrator/s were free on the streets. “Uncover the truth and let justice take its course”, concluded General Modishana.
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