The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has provisionally withdrawn charges against five of the six men arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of eight people during a birthday celebration in Gqeberha’s Kwazakhele township in January 2023.
Exactly a year ago, the community of Gqeberha was left shaken after unidentified gunmen stormed into a home during a 50th birthday celebration and shot at everyone that was present, instantly killing eight of the guests.
Two months later, Eastern Cape police arrested Mzwandile Mahambehlala, Siyabulela Funde, Luyanda April, Luzuko Tsotsi and Sinaye Tyesi.
The six suspects, who have been in custody since April last year, were released on Friday, after the NPA provisionally withdrew charges against five of them.
Provincial NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said charges against the suspects were withdrawn due to a lack of evidence.
“The investigations are still ongoing but we are still pursuing the matter against one accused,” he said.
“Should the investigations shed light or yield evidence linking the others, we will reinstate the case against the others.”
Meanwhile, only Mahambehlala was remanded and the case against him was postponed for further investigations.
Defence attorney Danie Gouws, who represented all of the accused, said he was preparing to submit a bail application on behalf of Mahambehlala.
Mahambehlala is expected to make his next appearance on 23 July, when the matter is set down for the Gqeberha High Court.
Pictured above: The house where the birthday massacre took place in January 2023.
Image source: Anita Dangazele/File
