Bail revoked for Terreblanches accused

Mahlangu, 28, and his 15-year-old South African co-accused, were arrested early this year over the murder of the rightwing leader, but were in July granted R5000 bail by the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court, with Magistrate Magaola Foso saying the Zimbabwean had co-operated with the police and there was no likelihood he would try to evade his trial.

However, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) challenged the decision and made an appeal at the North Gauteng High Court, which overturned the bail last Thursday and the Zimbabwean was immediately arrested and detained at Mabopane police station. He was early this week expected to be taken to Hartbeesfontein correctional facility, according to NPA spokesperson, Mthunzi Mhaga.

Revoking the bail, Judge Julius Matojane said the magistrate in Ventersdorp had made “incomprehensive findings” in his awarding of bail. “The bail application is set aside and a warrant of arrest must be issued immediately,” said Matojane.

He said Mahlangu could be a flight risk, even though he had met his bail conditions of reporting at the Mabopane police station in the North West province twice a day.

Matojane said Mahlangu had given false information during his bail application and that magistrate Magaola Foso should have found this a mitigating factor in the granting of bail. Although Mahlangu said he was originally from Bela-Bela in Limpopo, the home affairs official told the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court during the bail application that Mahlangu’s name was not on the population list.

A fingerprint expert backed this up, testifying that Mahlangu was Zimbabwean and had strong family ties in that country.

Mahlangu and the minor allegedly killed Terre’Blanche on his farm in the North West town of Ventersdorp on Easter Saturday, after allegedly striking him 28 times with a panga and iron rod while he was asleep. Defence lawyer, Zola Majabvu, says his clients will plead not guilty when the trial starts on November 22.