Court delays identity parade for suspects in deadly Bekkersdal tavern shooting

The case against five suspects linked to the deadly Bekkersdal tavern shooting has been postponed to 22 January in the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court.

The delay allows for further investigations and an identity parade, as key witnesses were reported unavailable and out of the province.

The incident, which occurred at KwaNoxolo tavern in December, claimed the lives of ten people. Nine victims died at the scene, while a tenth succumbed to injuries later in hospital. The accused face multiple charges, including possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of live ammunition and contravention of the Immigration Act.

During a previous court appearance, all five suspects abandoned their bail application, citing fears for their safety. It was confirmed that they are from Lesotho and do not have valid travel documents. One of the accused also has a prior murder conviction.

Meanwhile, the owner of KwaNoxolo tavern was granted bail of R1,500. The 47-year-old faces a charge of operating a liquor outlet with a fraudulent licence.

Court proceedings continue under strict regulations, with media barred from filming inside the courtroom and the use of mobile phones prohibited.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that a separate suspect, who had been arrested for allegedly harbouring the illegal foreign nationals linked to the shooting, has since been released. The court found there was insufficient evidence to proceed against him.

Masondo further said police are still searching for undocumented foreign nationals linked to the matter.

“At this stage, we have received a statement from the Department of Home Affairs confirming that they are still at large. We are continuing our search, as they are illegal immigrants,” Masondo said.

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Saturday Star