The two suspects arrested in connection with the killing of Bethal Business owner, Bongani Manana have been released on bail.
Siswe Benedict Methule and Swangile Douglas Mashlangu appeared before the Bethal court on Thursday, 2 January on charges of murder.
Methule and Mashlangu applied for bail and were released on bail set at R5000 each.
During the bail application, more details emerged regarding the time when Bongani Manana was fatally wounded in the chest.
It would appear that an argument erupted between Manana and Methule near Bethal Dam. Manana proceeded towards Upper Echelon where the argument continued. It is alleged that Manana phoned his brother, Mashlangu to assist in the matter.
It is further alleged that when Mashlangu arrived at the scene he found the argument in full swing. Reports suggested that Methule directed his anger at Mashlangu and shots were exchanged between the two. 16 Shots were fired in total. Once the gunfire subsided, Manana was found with a gunshot wound in his chest. He succumbed to the chest injury according to preliminary reports.
During the bail application, Methule’s lawyer argued that even though the statement from Mashlangu points fingers at Methule, no evidence links Methule to the death of Manana at this stage.
The affidavit from the investigating officer stated that the two accused’s firearms were confiscated and send for ballistic analyses. Both firearms were legally registered to the two accused.
Witnesses to the incident were not asked to testify at the bail application and none of the evidence was tested under cross-examination as the trial has not yet commenced. It became clear that the docket is not ready for trial and that the investigation is still ongoing.
The bail conditions include that there should be no contact with any of the witnesses.
The Judge said that the accused had no previous convictions, nor did they pose any threat to the community. There are also no indications that they’ll commit another crime and that granting them bail will not disturb the peace.
He also mentioned that both accused had strong ties to Bethal and would not flee.
The case was postponed to early February.
