The Durban Magistrate’s Court denied bail to Sandile Mzizi, the man accused of murdering two ANC members from eThekwini’s Ward 101 shortly before the 2021 local government elections.
Mzizi is alleged to have killed Siyabonga Mkhize, an ANC Ward 101 candidate, and party activist Mzukisi Nyanga in October 2021. He faces charges alongside former Ward 101 councillor Mzimuni Ngiba, as well as Nkosinathi Ngcobo, Sifiso Mlondo, and Phathisakhe Ngiba.
Earlier this week, Magistrate Melanie de Jager found that Mzizi, who applied for bail citing new facts, did not present any new evidence before the court.
She noted that Mzizi’s personal circumstances have not changed from his initial bail applications.
“The court has previously heard his personal circumstances; they are not new facts,” she said, refusing Mzizi bail.
In his application, Mzizi said he was applying for bail because there was no certainty of when the murder trial would proceed. The trial is ongoing at the Durban High Court, with the next date set for October.
According to the State, there are about three witnesses left to testify before it closes its case.
In his bail affidavit, Mzizi stated that the case has been marred with delays and that it is now a back-up trial to the high-profile murder cases of rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and his friend Chef Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane.
However, she noted that instead of approaching the judge president regarding the delays, Mzizi opted to apply for bail on new facts.
“Applicant still has an opportunity to approach the judge president to ensure that his matter proceeds,” Magistrate De Jager said.
Furthermore, the magistrate determined that Mzizi failed to demonstrate any exceptional circumstances that would justify the court granting his release on bail.
Consequently, he was transferred back to the High Court, where he is expected to appear with his co-accused for trial in early October.
