Murder accused Florence Lukhele will remain behind bars until her case is finalised, the South African Broadcasting Corporation reported on Tuesday.
The Evander Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga refused Lukhele bail for allegedly masterminding the murder of Govan Mbeki deputy mayor Thandi Mtsweni.
Lukhele’s lawyer questioned the credibility of police officer Johan Malope, who was investigating the case.
The bail application of Govan Mbeki Mayor Sipho Nkosi, who allegedly paid to have his deputy murdered, was postponed until next Tuesday to allow the prosecution time to obtain Nkosi’s phone records to be submitted to court.
Nkosi, Lukhele and four others stand accused of the murder of Mtsweni in June.
It is alleged that Lukhele planned the murder and received R30 000 from Nkosi to carry it out.
Prosecutors believe Mtsweni’s murder was linked to her investigations into corruption in the council, the broadcaster said.
Mtsweni was shot dead on the night of June 27 when she arrived home with her husband and 14-year-old son.
Nkosi was arrested on August 7.
Lukhele, along with Madoda Nkhambule, Sikhosiphe Gwala, Themba Ntombela and Neo Moloi were arrested earlier this month. — Sapa
Murder accused Florence Lukhele will remain behind bars until her case is finalised, the South African Broadcasting Corporation reported on Tuesday.
The Evander Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga refused Lukhele bail for allegedly masterminding the murder of Govan Mbeki deputy mayor Thandi Mtsweni.
Lukhele’s lawyer questioned the credibility of police officer Johan Malope, who was investigating the case.
The bail application of Govan Mbeki Mayor Sipho Nkosi, who allegedly paid to have his deputy murdered, was postponed until next Tuesday to allow the prosecution time to obtain Nkosi’s phone records to be submitted to court.
Nkosi, Lukhele and four others stand accused of the murder of Mtsweni in June.
It is alleged that Lukhele planned the murder and received R30 000 from Nkosi to carry it out.
Prosecutors believe Mtsweni’s murder was linked to her investigations into corruption in the council, the broadcaster said.
Mtsweni was shot dead on the night of June 27 when she arrived home with her husband and 14-year-old son.
Nkosi was arrested on August 7.
Lukhele, along with Madoda Nkhambule, Sikhosiphe Gwala, Themba Ntombela and Neo Moloi were arrested earlier this month. — Sapa