By Palesa Matlala
- Court proceedings were delayed because one accused is missing and witnesses were unavailable for an identity parade.
- Ten people were killed in a shooting at KwaNoxolo tavern in Bekkersdal last year.
A missing accused person and the absence of an identity parade delayed a court appearance linked to the Bekkersdal tavern shooting.
The matter was heard at the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court.
The accused were arrested on Christmas Eve last year. This was three days after the shooting at KwaNoxolo tavern, where 10 people were killed.
They face charges of possession of live ammunition, possession of unlicensed firearms and defeating the ends of justice.
According to police, the arrests followed a random search by mine security guards looking for illegal miners.
Police say 11 suspects were found inside two houses in Westonaria, west of Johannesburg.
Two more suspects were arrested in nearby streets. Police say one was found with an AK-47 and 31 rounds of ammunition. Another was found with a pistol loaded with four rounds.
Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said one suspect arrested for harbouring illegal foreigners was released by the court due to lack of evidence.
Police say the men have not yet been linked to the Bekkersdal tavern shooting, but this could still change.
Only five of the 11 accused have appeared in court so far.
The court heard that witnesses meant to take part in the identity parade were out of the province and unavailable.
Because of the sensitivity of the case, the public was asked to leave the courtroom and the media was not allowed to record the proceedings.
In a separate case, KwaNoxolo tavern owner Nanesi Matwa was arrested and charged with operating without a liquor licence.
Outside court, Moreen Mooke, who lost her sister in the shooting, said she has little faith in the justice system.
She said the family is still waiting to hear why the attack happened.
The case was postponed to 22 January for further investigation.
Pictured above: The crime scene.
Image source: Palesa Matlala
