SA: Elvis Nyathi Murder Trial Delayed

South Africa: The seven men arrested in connection with the murder of Zimbabwean national Elvis Nyathi were set to appear at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court this Thursday but the case was postponed to 24 August.

State prosecutor Dinesh Nandkisoor asked the court to delay the hearing due to outstanding witness statements, crime scene photographs and postmortem results. Said Nandkisoor:

Also outstanding is the decision from the director of public prosecutions as to whether the matter will then be transferred for trial to the high court.

The seven suspects are Cedrick Raseala, 41, Baron Mashele, 31, Godfrey Mahlo, 31, Thomas Serebane, 53, Phumudzo Tshirangwana, 38, Thabo Makgatho, 32, and Puleng Chipape, 34.

They are charged with murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, four counts of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and extortion.

The seven were granted bail of R3 000 each in a previous appearance.

When the suspects initially appeared in court, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said:

Nyathi was beaten and burnt to death in Diepsloot on 7 April 2022 when some Diepsloot residents embarked on alleged acts of vigilantism, attacking Zimbabwean nationals that residents were accused of committing crimes in the area.

The group of residents allegedly robbed some of the victims of their belongings and demanded money from their relatives in exchange for the release of those they held in captivity.

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