Family lives in fear after being targeted

MID-ILLOVO ANC ward councillor Mzwandile Shandu and his nephew made another bail application appearance in the umlazi Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where it emerged that two minors they allegedly tried to kill, are now under witness protection.

The bail hearing was adjourned to this week, and both accused, Shandu and Mnqobi Shandu, 24, remain in custody.

Shandu, 43, and his nephew allegedly shot the youth, aged 14 and 16, as they returned from school in August.

The charges the duo face include murder and arson, among others.

The murder charges relates to the death of two people in Sydenham, in a separate incident.

During Friday’s proceedings, investigating officer Thabiso Mqadi testified that the applicants were linked to other cases, and more charges would be brought against them.

Mqadi said the two accused should not be granted bail on the basis that they faced other criminal charges and are set to appear at the Richmond Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

According to a family member of the victims, who spoke to the Sunday Tribune on condition of anonymity, Shandu and his family members had been targeting another family in the Mid-illovo area since May 2021.

The source said the quarrel between the two families, who are also related, started when the Shandus learnt of the death of a family member, Mlungisi Shandu, during the Easter weekend last year.

“After Mlungusi’s funeral, we were accused of involvement in the attack that led to his death and a woman who had travelled with him at the time,” the source said.

According to the family they have called for protection from authorities as they believe their lives are still in danger.

The Shandus’ lawyer, Abdul Karrim, confirmed his clients would plead not guilty to the charges they are facing.