VEREENIGING – The second of three accused linked to a brazen fatal shooting of six passengers during attack of a minibus on the R59 near Meyerton was denied bail in the Vereeniging Magistrates’ Court today – 26 March. Mandlakayise Louis Makhunga (44) from Alberton bid for bail while his co-accused, Jaulane Mlambe (30) of Germiston and Sabelo Mchunu (25) of Kliprivier, abandoned their bail applications.
They remain in custody while police continue their investigation into the fatal shooting in early February.
Lumka Mahanjana, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) Gauteng Division, said the state provided solid grounds which the magistrate found constitute a strong case against Makhunga during the bail application hearing.
“The State, represented by Advocate Reuben Chabalala, argued that the accused poses a flight risk and that his release would not be in the interests of justice. The investigating officer’s affidavit highlighted that Makhunga does not have a fixed address, failed to cooperate with police, and misrepresented information in his bail affidavit, including claims of owning a farm,” said Mahanjana.
She said the court noted Makhunga’s lack of a fixed address and the likelihood that he would evade trial, particularly considering the severity of the charges and the potential for multiple life sentences. Makhunga, alongside his two co-accused Mchunu and Mlambe, faces numerous charges. They include six counts of murder, 17 counts of attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Their matter has been postponed to 30 April.
The three men were caught shortly after the alleged brazen attack on a minibus taxi transporting 22 passengers along the R59 near Meyerton in Gauteng province. They allegedly ambushed a minibus that was transporting passengers from Johannesburg to Lesotho. The accused were also travelling in a vehicle. They allegedly opened fire on the taxi, killing six passengers and injuring others.
“Following the shooting, the accused allegedly rammed the taxi, exited their vehicle, and hijacked a nearby motorist before fleeing the scene. Police officers who were in the vicinity responded after being alerted by the hijacking victim and pursued the accused. During the chase, the accused abandoned the hijacked vehicle and fled into nearby bushes. Mlambe and Mchunu were apprehended shortly thereafter, and Makhunga a few hours later in Kliprivier,” said Mahanjana. She said private security officers spotted Makhunga walking barefoot with a gunshot wound.
