GAUTENG – A Democratic Alliance councillor in Ekurhuleni and three co-accused appeared in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on 27 August facing charges of murder, attempted murder and kidnapping following the death of a man allegedly assaulted after being accused of housebreaking.
Kabelo Mahonko (40), who serves as a proportional representation councillor for the DA in the City of Ekurhuleni, appeared alongside Sibusiso Masondo (43), Muzi Des Godie (33) and Lethabo Nhlanhla Makgabo (19).
The NPA alleges that between 16 and 17 July, the four accused kidnapped and assaulted Vuyisile Mzwakhe Khananda (23) and another victim after suspecting them of having committed a housebreaking and theft at Mahonko’s residence.
Following the alleged assault on 17 July, the accused reportedly drove with the victims and abandoned them on Longmore Street in Crystal Park, Benoni. Both victims were taken to hospital for medical treatment, but Khananda later died from his injuries.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that the four accused were arrested on various dates between 17 and 21 August and are being held in custody. Mahonko was arrested on 17 August and made her first court appearance on 19 August, whilst the three co-accused were arrested on 21 August.
The matter has been postponed to 1 September for a formal bail application. The State has indicated it will oppose their release on bail.
DA refers matter to internal commission
The DA has referred the matter to its Federal Legal Commission for investigation and potential disciplinary action.
DA Gauteng chairperson Fred Nel said the party recognised the seriousness of the charges but maintained that the councillor was entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until found guilty by a court of law. The party said it would monitor the court proceedings and make a final determination regarding her status once the court has made a finding.
The EFF in Gauteng has publicly called for the DA to suspend Mahonko from all public responsibilities and for the City of Ekurhuleni to suspend her from municipal duties whilst the criminal case is ongoing.
The ANC in Ekurhuleni has also expressed concern over the allegations, stating that no individual should take the law into their own hands.
Mahonko previously served as ward councillor for Ward 24 in Benoni before taking up her current position as a proportional representation councillor in the Ekurhuleni metro.
