ONE of the suspects accused of murdering Warrant Officer Johannes Ngwane at the eSikhaweni police cells is only 15 years old.
This surprising revelation came out during questioning at the eSikhawini District Magistrate’s Court last week.
The court was surprised to learn that ‘Accused number 5’ only turns 16 in November.
To certify the age claim, the defence produced a copy of his birth certificate from his older brother.
However, the legitimacy of the document was questioned by the prosecutor, who revealed the minor had told the court he was 18 when he previously appeared in court on a separate charge.
Records showed his late mother, who had testified, also confirmed his age at that time.
This unexpected revelation surfaced when the five suspects accused of killing Ngwane appeared for a formal bail application.
Ngwane was strangled while conducting a routine afternoon search, after one prisoner apparently lured him inside the cell, pretending to be sick.
Friends, community members and police officials including eSikhawini station commander, Colonel Vusi Mthimkhulu, awaited for the decision of the magistrate, who was faced with a dilemma regarding the new information.
Pandemonium ruled in the court room with some wailing for the slain policeman.
The case was postponed to 25 June, to give the State and the defence time to obtain and verify a certified or original birth certificate.
DID YOU KNOW?
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
BBM – 25A0BF5A or 2B7993C8
