Cape Town - As the murder trial involving the alleged kingpin of a criminal gang that killed at least 12 people in Khayelitsha got under way in the Western Cape High Court yesterday, the court heard about the “demise of two key witnesses”.
Additionally, another critical witness remains in hiding after he was attacked earlier this month.
Yanga “Bara” Nyalara appeared with co-accused Wanda Tofile in the high court sitting in the Goodwood Prison Circuit Court.
Initially, police charged four men, but the charges against Manelisi Ngumla and Lundi Zweni were withdrawn.
The State alleges that Nyalara is a kingpin in a criminal gang who, among other crimes, was extorting informal businesses operating in Khayelitsha.
Nyalara and Tofile face 12 counts of murder, six of attempted murder, and illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition relating to the mass shooting in Site B on May 15, 2021.
The shootings were allegedly commissioned in retaliation to the murder of Sikhumbule Nkonki on the same day. Nyalara was arrested on July 1, 2022 in Bothasig as he lay in bed with two women, according to then police minister Bheki Cele.
Asked by the judge about their plea, both accused said they were not guilty on any of the counts.
The State prosecutor said its witnesses’ identities were being withheld and that they will appear virtually.
“Their nose and mouth will be covered up to protect their identity.
“The defence advocate asked to see their face and senior officer, Lieutenant Colonel Victor Gallant, had to take the stand to inform the court of the reasons why the witnesses had to be hidden.”