GQEBERHA – The two murder accused of ANC Ward 27 councillor Sicelo Mleve briefly appeared before the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 15 September, facing charges of murder, robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, with possible charges to be added at a later stage.

Lufunolwethu Nyodi (20) and his co-accused Ahlumile Stofile (21) entered the court dock with smirks on their faces, without a worried look, as they face serious charges. Prior to their entrance, the court was filled with both supporters and seven police officers to control the courtroom and assist the court security guards in the high-profile case.

During the proceedings, the two kept looking at each other, whispering something that would make the other smirk.

The two accused are represented by Legal Aid, with a new attorney introduced in court to be their counsel going forward. The court heard that the accused abandoned their bail at their previous appearance on 13 July.

The court also heard that the investigation is still incomplete, noting that witness statements, DNA analysis reports, cellphone data analysis and the tracing of other possible suspects remain outstanding.

In the 13 July appearance, the then defence attorney made an application to gain access to the statements made by the two accused, as well as any photographs or video footage depicting them. He also told the court that the defence was not seeking access to the entire police docket, but only to material directly relating to the accused. This request was not addressed in the 15 September appearance, as the two accused changed counsel and are both represented by the same person.

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.”

In the previous court appearance, the court heard that accused number one, Nyodi, had allegedly been “tortured” by police officials and received threats to his life while at the Makhanda Correctional Centre, according to his claims. In this regard, his then defence made an application to have him moved to the North End Correctional Centre, which was granted. He is now held there, while his co-accused is detained at St Albans Correctional Centre.

The matter was postponed until 17 November for further investigation.

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