Bekkersdal Tavern Massacre Case Rolled Over to Tuesday After First Court Appearances
Ballistic testing of seized firearms seeks links to the tavern attack.
Overview
- Five of the 11 arrested suspects appeared in the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court, and the matter was postponed to Tuesday for legal aid applications.
- All five who appeared confirmed in court that they are undocumented nationals from Lesotho.
- Police say 11 people were arrested last week, including 10 suspected illegal miners, with an AK-47, four pistols and ammunition seized.
- The suspects face charges that include murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and immigration offenses, with one suspect holding a prior attempted murder conviction.
- KwaNoxolo tavern owner Nanesi Matwa was remanded to 31 December on liquor-license charges, and residents renewed calls for stronger action against gun violence tied to illegal mining.