A fourth suspect in the murder of Anglo-Zulu war historian David Rattray appeared in the Dundee Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday and was refused bail.
Magistrate Vincent Hlatshwayo found that although the state’s case was not overwhelming against Sabelo Xolani Mpanza (28), the fact that he was arrested while hiding out in a mountainous area near Pomeroy — about 40km from Dundee — suggested that he knew he was being sought by the police.
Hlatshwayo also took into account the international and national reaction should the accused be granted bail.
Mpanza has denied all knowledge of the January 26 murder of Rattray, although he did admit to having previously worked at Rattray’s lodge at Fugitive’s Drift.
Mpanza’s fingerprints were not found on any of the weapons seized by police during the arrest of two other men, who have already been sentenced after admitting their part in the murder.
A third suspect is awaiting trial.
However, Mpanza was not at his homestead when police came looking for him and was only found 45 days after the murder.
He was been detained in custody pending another court appearance. — Sapa