The case against 16 murder accused — arrested after the Jeppestown shoot-out in Johannesburg last year — was postponed at the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Six armed police officers surrounded the 16 men in the dock while magistrate Delize Smit postponed the case to March 2 to allow for further investigation.
The accused each face charges of murder, attempted murder and armed robbery with aggravated circumstances. They were remanded in custody.
They were denied bail last year after seven of them were declared flight risks.
Investigating officer Inspector Richard Nzanyana said one suspect, Thambinkosi Tshabalala, died in custody last year.
”I am not sure how he died, he was not injured … He complained about pain in his feet before he died,” he said.
Mary Dineo Maleke, arrested in connection with the robbery at a Pick ‘n Pay supermarket, which preceded the shoot-out, was due to appear in court later on Friday.
She faces a charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
Smit ordered the 16 men, three of them Mozambican, to have their lawyers present at their next court appearance.
Twelve people, including four police officers, died in the bloody clash in June last year after police were led to a Jeppestown home while probing the robbery at the Pick ‘n Pay.
The 16 men are: Sizwe Mbuyasi, Siyanda Mngomezulu, Linda Hlongwa, Sizwe Dlamini, Bheki Shakhane, Fernando Tango, Edwardo Tango, Castigo Ngwenya, Sihze Mdunge, Bhekokwakhe Zulu, Msomuhle Seziba, Mzamo Mchunu, Nzulelwa Advocate Vezi, Zinto Mchunu, Khumulene Mabaso and Senzo Emanuel Mweli. — Sapa