THE chief suspect in the gruesome murder of elderly Meerensee couple Ernst and Lilo Boller on 5 September, appeared in the District Court at Richards Bay yesterday.
Andile Phila Mbuyazi from the Nhlabane area, who had been employed by the victims as a gardener, will appear again for a bail hearing on 13 November.
Three more suspects are also expected to appear in court this week
The couple were attacked and killed in their Mackerel street home, which was robbed and torched by the perpetrators, who fled in the couple’s Hyundai Tuscon.
The vehicle was recovered and the alleged getaway driver was arrested 10 days ago near Mbazwane.
Painstaking police work continued, leading to the separate capture of three more suspects in the early hours of Tuesday morning, between Emanguse and KwaMbonambi.
A special task force comprising Empangeni Crime Intelligence, Empangeni Cluster Task Team, Tactical Task Team and Richards Bay Detectives effected the arrests.
The suspects, aged between 26 and 30 years, face counts of murder, house robbery, arson and being in possession of suspected stolen property.
Legal Aid
Mbuyazi initially indicated that he would conduct his own defence, but after Magistrate La Grange explained the seriousness of the Schedule 6 offence and the intricacies of legal matters, plus the fact that the case would be referred to a High or Regional Court, he heeded the caution and chose to be represented by a Legal Aid attorney.
Facing two counts of murder, he will remain in custody until the bail hearing on 13 November.
Control Prosecutor Val Harripersadh indicated that the State will oppose bail.
Meanwhile, praise is being heaped on the police for their efforts in apprehending the suspects.
The crime had sent a wave of shock and panic through the town and the arrests have been welcomed from all quarters.
‘The police get a lot of criticism, but as the Meerensee CPF committee we are witness to their many unselfish acts, willing to go out even if off duty,’ said Chairman Henk van Niekerk.
‘After the brutal killing of the Bollers, it should be noted that 61 days later, after unrelenting investigation, following up hundreds of leads and many long hours on the trails of suspects, the dedicated and committed service resulted in the successful arrests and detainment.
‘We applaud the SAPS, those individual members involved and especially the commitment of Station Commander, Brigadier Zondi.’
Well done! Great result