Three suspects have appeared in court under heavy police presence for the triple murder that rocked the community of Hawston on Sunday 11 May.
Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed a third suspect had been arrested and charged on Tuesday 17 June in connection with the murders of Uwellin Salies, Vittorio Julies and Royston Plaatjies in the area.
The first murder suspect was arrested along with another man at a security complex in Paarl by members of the provincial Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) and detectives, who followed-up on information on the whereabouts of suspects believed to be responsible for the fatal shooting in broad daylight. In the tactical operation the police seized an AK47 rifle and eight rounds as well as three 9 mm pistols without serial numbers and various rounds of ammunition.
The police reported that these firearms would be sent for ballistic testing to determine whether they had been used in the commission of crimes. Lt-Col Malcolm Pojie, provincial police spokesperson, added that more charges against the accused may be added depending on the outcome of the test results.
Paarl Post reported that Luthando Ngedezi (35) and Tsepo Moahloli (39) had abandoned their bail application on Friday 6 June, when they appeared in the Paarl Magistrates’ Court for possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition.
Moahloli made his first court appearance in connection with the murders in the Hermanus Magistrates’ Court on Monday 9 June. His case was postponed to Wednesday 18 June for a formal bail application. Last Wednesday he was joined in the dock by Mzwandile Nyembezi, who had also since been charged with the triple murder.
On Thursday 19 June, Mfundo Tom (40) was added as the third accused.
Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in the Western Cape, confirmed the state had withdrawn charges against Accused 1. The men’s bail application is expected to start today (Friday 20 June).
