Mbizana police who are investigating a murder case against a Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality Councillor has opened a second murder docket against him. Ward 6 Councillor Lucky Berthwell Mbuzi 42 appeared before the magistrate court of Mbizana today for an official bail application in a murder case that involves him and the other three suspects. Mbuzi, Luthando Manyama 23, Simbongile Mjuleka, and Siphelele Cele were appearing for allegations of killing Mduduzi Madikizela 46 at his home at Jali Village in Mbizana two weeks back. NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said when the four appeared before the court today more charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition were added against Mbuzi and Mjuleka. The charges relate to the murder of another ANC activist, Hleliphi Thotshe, also of Jali village on the 10th of March this year.
Charges against Siphelele Cele and Mziwokuthula Ntaka who were initially charged with Mbuzi have been withdrawn. The court postponed the matter to the 13th of May 2021 for a formal bail application. The state is opposing the bail.
ANC Provincial Secretary Lulama Ngcukayithobi and other regional leaders visited the family of the deceased. During the visit Ngcukayithobi said the ANC distances itself from this incident. “The law must take its cause”, he said. There reports that Cllr Mbuzi’s home was set alight on Wednesday allegedly by members of the community. Police are investigating the matter.
