One of the two farmworkers accused of killing South Africa’s far-right leader Eugene Terre’Blanche was on Wednesday granted bail, his lawyer said.
Chris Mahlangu (28) and his 15-year-old co-accused were arrested in April, shortly after the murder of Terre’Blanche on his Venterdorp farm.
“He has been granted bail but we are waiting for the amount,” said Mahlangu’s lawyer Puna Moroko. The bail sum was to be set later on Wednesday.
Magistrate Magaola Foso said Mahlangu had cooperated with the police and there was no likelihood that he would try to evade his trial.
NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said they respected the ruling, but would consider the judgement and decide on the course of action. said Mhaga.
“We have not taken a decision on whether to appeal or not.”
The state had opposed bail, arguing that Mahlangu knew the identities and addresses of witnesses and that nothing would stop him from intimidating them.
Prosecutor George Baloyi said the evidence against Mahlangu was “overwhelming”.
The accused stand accused of striking Terre’Blanche 28 times with a panga and iron rod while he was asleep. – AFP, Sapa