The teenager arrested and charged for the murders of nine people, who were fatally shot at a Philippi East tavern, has abandoned his bail application at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court this week. 

On Monday, Bheki Manxiwa made his second appearance at court, where he is charged with nine counts of murder, attempted murder, and two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Before abandoning his bail application, the State opposed Manxiwa’s release, citing it as a Schedule Six matter, meaning the onus was on the accused to show to the court that it was in the interest of justice for him to be released on bail.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said: “The defence told the court that the accused abandoned his right to apply for bail. The State informed the court that it is going to add Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca) charges, as investigations have revealed that he is part of a gang,” said Ntabazalila.

According to information, the crime relates to two rival gangs who are in conflict over extortion. 

The matter has been postponed to April 16 for further investigation.

Ntabazalila previously said: “The State alleges, as was stated in court, that the accused and others were sitting and drinking in another area. A suspect brought a firearm with an extended magazine to another suspect named Lloyd.

“They then went to the tavern in Marikana, where they shot a woman, who is a co-owner of the tavern, along with nine patrons. Nine people died, and another patron is in a critical condition in the hospital. The accused then robbed the deceased of their cellphones and money.

“The accused is linked to the crime through confession (he confessed to two people) and other witnesses,” said Ntabazalila. 

Pending an identification parade to be conducted, pictures of Manxiwa cannot yet be published. 

chevon.booysen@inl.co.za

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