GQEBERHA – The anticipated formal bail application of two men accused of murdering ANC Ward 27 councillor Sicelo Mleve did not proceed on Friday, 10 July, at the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court.

The matter was postponed to allow the Legal Aid defence attorney to consult with one of his newly assigned clients and to schedule the formal bail application. It was also postponed to allow the court to deliver its ruling on an application by media organisations seeking permission to record the court proceedings.

The media applied for permission to record the court proceedings, which was opposed by both the defence and the State. The State argued that not all of its witnesses had participated in an identification parade involving the accused, while the defence argued that revealing the identities of the accused would prejudice their right to a fair trial.

The two accused, Lufenolwethu Nyodi (20) and Ahlumile Stofile (21), face charges including, but not limited to, murder, robbery, and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, with additional charges expected to follow.

According to South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Captain Majola Nkohli, two armed male suspects allegedly stormed the office where a meeting of about 10 people was underway in an apparent robbery.

“One of the suspects fired upon the 45-year-old councillor, inflicting multiple gunshot wounds, before fleeing the scene,” Nkohli said. “The victim sustained several gunshot wounds and was declared deceased at the scene.”

Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha welcomed the arrest of a second suspect allegedly involved in the murder of Mleve.

“The arrest of the 21-year-old male and his co-accused will send a strong message to criminals that no incidents of criminality will be tolerated in the province. We hope that the arrest of these suspects will lead to a successful prosecution so that the bereaved family can find justice and closure,” he said.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Chief Whip Wandisile Jikeka, who knew Mleve, said they welcomed the apprehension of the suspects. Speaking about the accused applying for bail, he said: “It is their legal right to do so. We believe that these accused are a danger to society and, if it were up to us, they should not be granted bail. They should be in custody until their fate is determined.”

He said the release of the accused on bail would place councillors at risk.

“The regulations governing the safety of councillors are not strong enough to ensure maximum safety for councillors. If you compare with national and provincial councillors, what is offered to us is nothing,” he said. “We are engaging with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to make sure that the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) comes forward to review the safety of ward councillors.”

The matter was postponed until Monday, 13 July, and both accused remain in custody.

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