A MAN accused of a double murder, rape and arson, will stand trial in the Mtunzini High Court.
Xolani Lindelani Mpanza (21) of Jamela, Nseleni, has been indicted for the murder of John Cossa and Thulani Ntimbane and the rape of Cossa’s female friend, who cannot be identified.
He appeared in the Richards Bay Regional Court last week, having been in custody since June last year.
The accused and the victims all resided near Richtech College.
According to the indictment, Mpanza and Anele Mandlazini had an altercation with the two men and decided to kill them.
They armed themselves with bush knives and on the evening of Friday, 13 June last year, went to Cossa’s house where they found him with a female friend.
Ntimbane was alone in his house.
They tied both the men and the woman up with ropes and stabbed the men to death with knives, also setting Ntimbane’s house alight.
Thereafter they took turns raping the woman.
Cossa and Ntimbabe died at the scene as a result of head injuries.
The State is alleging that the assailants acted in concert and in the execution of a common purpose at all material times.
The matter has been set down for trial from 27 July to 7 August.
The accused said he required Pro Deo council.
He was remanded in custody.
