2 accused of NFP murder back in court

2012-08-21 12:41

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Durban - Two brothers accused of killing a National Freedom Party member appeared in the Umlazi Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

The case against Muzi, 29, and Xolani Ntuli, 32, was postponed to 31 August for a formal bail application. The men will remain in custody.

The two were charged with the murder of NFP member Mthunzi Gwala who was shot last month.

The court was filled to capacity with NFP and Inkatha Freedom Party supporters.

Defence attorney Lourens de Klerk told the court that the senior prosecutor told him there were two confessions linking the men to the crime but had refused to divulge further information.

Torture

The prosecutor had refused to provide any DNA, fingerprints, eyewitness accounts and firearms linking Muzi and Xolani to the murder, he said.

De Klerk said he would make a formal application to get the two confessions and other evidence linking the accused to the murder of Gwala.

He told the court two other people were arrested with the brothers and they were tortured. Muzi and Xolani were also tortured, De Klerk said.

Gwala's body was found lying on the road in Umlazi's T-section with four gunshot wounds in the head.

"Police on Friday pounced on the brothers at Umlazi's T-section while they were asleep in their room," Captain Thulani Zwane said.

The motive for the murder was unknown.

The State would oppose bail for the two accused.

- SAPA