GAUTENG. – Kabelo Mahonko (40), a DA ward councillor, and three co-accused have been released on bail in the Benoni Magistrate's Court on charges of murder, attempted murder and abduction.
Lumka Mahanjana, NPA spokesperson, says Mahonko was released on R5 000 bail, and Sibusiso Masondo (43), Muzi Des Godie (33) and Lethabo Makgabo (19) were each released on R2 000 bail. According to Mahanjana, it is alleged the four abducted and assaulted Vuyisile Khananda (23) and a second victim between 16 and 17 July 2026 after they suspected the two had broken into Mahonko's house and stolen from it. The accused allegedly left the victims in Longmore Street in Crystal Park, Benoni, on 17 July. Both victims were taken to hospital for medical treatment. Khananda later succumbed to his injuries. The accused were arrested on various dates between 17 and 21 August following a police investigation.
During the bail hearing, Mahonko, Masondo and Godie submitted sworn affidavits through their legal representatives in which they argued that they were first-time offenders and primary caregivers of minor children. Makgabo raised similar arguments and said he was a first-time offender, pursuing further studies, and that the state's case against him was weak. State prosecutor Girly Mahlangu opposed bail. Sergeant Jane Mogopa submitted a sworn affidavit arguing that all four accused live in the same area as state witnesses and could possibly interfere with them. She also indicated that Mahonko plays a key role in the case.
The court found that the accused could be released on bail in the interests of justice. The care of minor children and the absence of a flight risk were taken into account. As conditions of their bail, the four must surrender their passports, report to Crystal Park police station once a week, and have no direct or indirect contact with witnesses. The case was postponed to 9 October for transfer to the regional court.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
