UPDATE: Schoolyard murder accused denied bail
The already intense situation reach boiling point when Sphamandla Mngomezulu (19) was denied bail despite his plea to be released to attend school in Nkandla
THE case of high school murder accused who stabbed two school mates and killed one last month, took an unexpected turn on Friday when he appeared at eSikhawini Magistrate’s Court.
The already intense situation reach boiling point when Sphamandla Mngomezulu (19) was denied bail despite his plea to be released to attend school in Nkandla.
Sphamandla had previously requested the court to release him from custody; however angry community members strongly opposed his bail and served the court with a memorandum.
In a surprising twist, it was revealed that during the hearing on Thursday, Sphamandla pleaded not guilty and that the knife which was used during the incident was not his.
‘He provided his reasons, saying the weapon belonged to the victims and he didn’t intentionally stab them. As the youth we want him to be in jail until all this is resolved,’ said Youth Desk secretary, Ntokozo Masondo.
The accused was arrested last month following an altercation with two Grade 12 pupils.
It was reported that he plunged a knife into Nqobani Ntuli’s (19) chest, killing him instantly, and then turned a knife to a surviving victim Sphamandla Mngomezulu (19).
The trio was apparently part of a dispute which started over a stolen school girl’s cellphone.
The fatal incident shocked Ikhandlela Secondary School pupils, teachers and the community resulting to a school closure.
However following a meeting with the Department of Education (DoE) representatives, pupils, parents and other youth organisations, school gates were finally opened and learning resumed.
However, all structures agreed the school’s safety and security required immediate attention to curb the escalating crime wave of learner-to-learner attacks in schools.
The case was postponed to Thursday, 11 May.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
