Three suspects accused in the brutal Philippi mass murder — where seven people were shot, killed, and set alight — have abandoned their Schedule 6 bail applications at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court in Cape Town on Thursday. 

The two remaining accused — both juveniles aged 16 and 17 and who cannot be named — will return to court next month, November 6, for their bail applications.

Sinothando Songca, 18, Kuhle Webu, 22, and Asavela Tshaya, 21, together with their juvenile co-accused, each face nine criminal charges. 

They were arrested on October 23, days after the mass shooting occurred on October 17.  

The seven men were shot and killed at a home on Road 53, Better Life.

According to information, after they were shot and killed, the suspects had allegedly picked up bullet casings, poured paraffin in the home, and set the property alight.

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The local community policing forum (CPF) said the incident may be linked to ongoing extortion activities, noting that several Somali-owned shops had closed earlier in the week.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, confirmed they are each charged with seven counts of murder, defeating the administration of justice, and arson. Their case was on the court roll today (Thursday) for bail information.

The court heard that one of the juveniles will remain detained at the Pollsmoor juvenile section, while a place of safety was secured for the other juvenile until their next court appearance. 

The accused made their second court appearance at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court, which was delayed by hours due to a lockdown that was implemented at Pollsmoor Prison on Thursday, following a stabbing incident in which two inmates were stabbed to death and officials were attacked on Wednesday morning.

A family member of the slain victims said they travelled from the Eastern Cape to attend the matter as they opposed the bail release of the accused.

Zongezile Hlakanyane said: “We are a family from the Eastern Cape from the Pondo region. We’re expressing our feelings about the massacre that occurred. We don’t want bail for these people. The victims were young individuals who came here seeking employment to support their families back in the Eastern Cape.

“As a group, we are here saying no bail. If they are granted bail, we will be very disappointed,” said Hlakanyane.

At the time of their arrest, police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut said the accused were traced and apprehended during a series of well-coordinated operations that followed days of intensive investigation and intelligence-driven efforts. 

“We will not tolerate ruthless acts of violence that destroy lives and destabilise our communities. The men and women of the South African Police Service — supported by our intelligence capability — will continue to hunt down those who commit such barbaric crimes. There will be no hiding place for criminals in this province,” Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile had said.

chevon.booysen@inl.co.za

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