GQEBERHA – Takudza Magwenzi (28), the man accused of murdering five teenagers in Motherwell on 27 May, told the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court on Monday that he was allegedly tortured and suffocated by community members before his arrest.

Magwenzi, who was arrested on 5 June following an intensive investigation by the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit in Gqeberha, claimed that community members assaulted him and forced him to admit that he was in possession of a firearm.

The court heard that the Zimbabwean national faces five counts of murder in connection with the deaths of Mpendulo Sjadu (17), Solathisa Krwala (17), Luvuyo Crowly (17), Ibrahim Said (18) and Vuyisani Pinini (18), who were shot and killed in Motherwell.

According to police reports, officers responded to reports of gunfire at a house in Motherwell on 27 May. Upon arrival, four victims were found in the lounge area, while a fifth victim was discovered in a bedroom.

Emergency Medical Services declared three of the victims dead at the scene. A fourth victim later succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the fifth victim was transported to hospital, where he later died.

The court further heard that Magwenzi faces an additional charge relating to the alleged unlawful possession and use of a 9mm firearm, for which he allegedly did not possess the required licence or permit.

Addressing the court, Magwenzi claimed that he was forced to admit to possessing the firearm after being assaulted by community members before his arrest.

The court gallery was filled with relatives and supporters of the deceased teenagers.

Magwenzi appeared in court wearing casual clothing. No visible injuries or signs of physical impairment were observed during his appearance.

The matter was postponed to 18 June to allow for preparations ahead of the bail hearing.

The postponement will also allow investigators time to trace other suspects allegedly involved in the murders and to secure the services of a Shona interpreter.

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Speaking to the media outside court, the father of one of the deceased teenagers, Lungelo Gabeni, said he was in East London when neighbours informed him about the killings that had taken place at his mother’s house in Motherwell.

Gabeni said the tragedy claimed not only the life of his son but also that of his nephew.

He told PE Express that he believes the person responsible for the murders was an experienced killer, based on the manner in which the victims were killed.

Gabeni further alleged that the teenagers had been accused of stealing cellphones and believes the murders may have been carried out as an act of revenge.

He added that preparations for the funerals had been a lengthy and that he would mourn the loss of his son for the rest of his life. However, he said the family was relieved that an arrest had been made in connection with the mass murder case.