Durban — Two suspects, alleged to be pastors, appeared at Durban Magistrate's Court for a bail hearing on Wednesday.
The accused in custody, who have not been named, are facing murder charges for allegedly killing Nokuthula Mabaso, an activist of the shack dwellers movement Abahlali baseMjondolo, earlier this year.
Mabasoi, also a leader of the Women’s League in the eKhenana area in Cato Manor, was gunned down outside her home.
Soon after, Abahlali’s deputy president Ayanda Ngila was shot and killed in March 2022. On August 20, 2022, the organisation's chairperson Lindokuhle Mnguni, was assassinated at his commune.
Judge Mhlungu adjourned the matter to September 6, 2022, for a bail application decision.
Abahlali baseMjondolo awaits the Durban Magistrate's Court judgement.
— Nokuthula Mabuza (@_MabuzaN) August 24, 2022
This comes as the organisation said it was strained by the recent killings of it's leaders.@DailyNewsSA pic.twitter.com/e6GPRAeyWl
Meanwhile, Abahlali said the killings have been difficult and straining for the organisation.
“The repression and the attacks at gunpoint have led to four of our members, including three leaders, being killed in a space of six months. Three of the killings were assassinations.
“The killings of Ayanda Ngila, Lindokuhle Mnguni and Nokuthula Mabaso at the eKhenana Commune were well planned and well-financed by those who have vested private interests in the land that the community is using as a communal space. Siyabonga Manqele was murdered by masked police officers during a raid on the nearby eNkanini occupation,” read a statement by Abahlali.
The revival of eKhenana continues despite these attacks in the occupation adding that the garden and the poultry have already been kick-started.
“Many of our comrades from around the world have sent their support for the late comrade Mnguni, the eKhenana Commune and our movement. We really appreciate the solidarity that we have received from all over the world. We have always been committed to building a global movement of movements,” the statement continued.
Meanwhile, the memorial service for Lindokuhle Mnguni will take place on Thursday, August 25, at the eKhenana Commune.
The funeral will be held on Sunday, August 28, 2022.
Daily News