The bail application of three Lesotho nationals charged in connection with the deadly shooting at the Jumpers informal settlement has been postponed until next Friday. The matter was delayed after the defence said it had been unable to properly consult with the accused.
The application was before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court, where the defence informed the court that consultations with the suspects could not be completed at the correctional facility where they are being held.
The three men are accused of carrying out the mass shooting at the settlement, east of Johannesburg, which claimed 13 lives and left 14 others injured last month.
Jumpers Informal Settlement Shooting Case Delayed
The Jumpers informal settlement shooting case has been postponed to allow the defence additional time to prepare. Advocate Phumudzo Sadiki told the court that he had not been able to adequately consult with his clients in prison.
The accused face 13 counts of murder and 14 counts of attempted murder. Police arrested the trio after several surviving victims allegedly identified them as the gunmen responsible for the attack.
The State is expected to oppose the bail application when the matter returns to court next week.
Defence Alleges Police Assaulted The Accused
The bail proceedings also heard allegations that the accused were assaulted while in police custody. Sadiki claimed his clients were forced to make statements after being subjected to assault.
[Madlanga Commission Hears Secret Testimony After Witness Says Public Evidence Could Endanger His Life]
“They were assaulted, they don’t even know, and the police must, we’ll have to, I was informed that the police will take the stand to confirm that indeed so they made those statements freely and voluntarily. They are indicating that they were assaulted and they were just made to sign.”
The allegations were raised as part of the defence’s submissions during the bail proceedings.
Three Lesotho Nationals Face Multiple Murder Charges
SEE TODAY'S TOP HEADLINES ACROSS LEADING PUBLICATIONS
The three Lesotho nationals remain in custody pending the continuation of their bail application next Friday. They face serious charges relating to one of the deadliest recent attacks in Gauteng.
The accused have each been charged with 13 counts of murder and 14 counts of attempted murder. The case will return to the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court for the bail application to continue.
