The man accused of killing eight people in Gugulethu stated to the Athlone Magistrate’s Court that he surrendered to the police after seeing his image circulating on social media.

Lungile Anthony Madolo, also known as “Fire”, made his first appearance in court on Wednesday in connection with the mass shooting in the Kanana informal settlement on June 28.

According to the charge sheet, Madolo is accused of murdering Vuyolwethu Makongo, Siyanda Thongana, Afezile Thongana, Hlomla Thongana, Somile Vithela, Luyolo Zoneleni, Loyiso Jezile, and Phumlani Zoya. All victims were men, and all were shot with a firearm.

Police released Madolo’s image alongside that of Loyiso Matinisi, stating that they could assist with crucial information about the killings.

During proceedings, the State prosecutor informed Magistrate Keith Le Keur that there were media applications to take photographs and videos of the accused, but said he would oppose the publication of Madolo’s face, while in court, due to an outstanding identity parade.

The prosecutor said the media could, however, use pictures that were supplied before his arrest.

“There was a previous matter where his image had been published, but there is a significant difference between then and now,” the prosecutor told the court.

@manditshwete The man accused of unaliving 8 people in Gugulethu appeared at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court. He told the court that he handed himself over to the police after seeing his picture trending. The media was barred from taking pics of his face. #sama28 #police #southafrica #southafricatiktok #fyp #foryoupage #crime #crimetok ♬ Powerful songs like action movie music – Tansa

Madolo responded directly to the magistrate, saying: “I saw my picture trending and that is why I handed myself to the police. I have not changed, I still look the same way. And my face has been published before.”

The State confirmed Madolo was arrested on June 30 and that the investigation is still in its early stages.

Madolo initially indicated he would appoint a private attorney, but later opted to be represented by Legal Aid counsel for his first appearance.

His lawyer told the court the accused was unhappy with the prosecutor’s efforts to block the publication of his image.

“He said he is unhappy with the prosecutor. I can confirm his picture was all over social media. My client also said he doesn’t want to stand for the identity parade because his face was everywhere already, and that is why he went to the police station,” said the Legal Aid representative.

“The weight of the identity parade will be determined at a later stage.”

The State said it would oppose bail and is in the process of confirming whether Madolo has any pending matters or previous convictions.

“The accused before the court faces eight counts of murder, one for possession of an unlicensed firearm, the calibre of which is still unknown, and one count of possession of ammunition,” the prosecutor said.

He added that Madolo had been linked to two separate crime scenes through eyewitnesses.

“Count two to 10 relate to the second scene. The two accused allegedly went to that scene. The seven deceased were seated inside a house when they were shot and died on the same day.”

The State further indicated that a second suspect remains outstanding and said it intends to charge the accused on the doctrine of common purpose.

The matter was postponed to July 9 for an identity parade and for the Director of Public Prosecutions to determine the schedule of the offence and provide bail information.

Madolo will remain in custody.

Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, urged anyone with information about the crime to come forward.

“We must work together to ensure justice is served. I also call on the justice system to deal with this case decisively, so that the families and community are able to find closure,” she said.

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za 

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