Twelve people accused of killing residents of Alexandra township, north of Johannesburg, are expected to apply for bail in the local magistrates’ court on Tuesday morning.
The suspects, aged between 17 and 35, will stand trial for a fourth time on multiple charges including murder, attempted murder and armed robbery.
The case has been adjourned three times in the past three weeks for further investigations to be carried out and for their legal representatives to prepare for a possible bail application.
Alex FM DJ Joshua Mbatha and five others were killed in separate armed robbery incidents four weeks ago.
Fifteen others suffered gunshot wounds.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesman Lumko Mohanjana says: “They face two counts of murder, four counts of attempted murder, aggravated robbery, possession of suspected stolen property and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.”
Death of Mbatha
On July 14, Mbatha and two others were walking home from work when a group of armed men stole their mobile phones and shoes and then opened fire.
Mbatha died of a bullet wound to the chest.
Residents say 15 more people were shot and robbed by armed groups this night alone in Alexandra.
