Man arrested for 6 bodies in Joburg CBD faces 1 murder charge

The charge is based on the evidence contained in the docket.  

The 20-year-old suspect, who was arrested on Sunday, made a brief first appearance in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.  

Police had earlier reported that the suspect faced six counts of murder, however, NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane says eyewitnesses and video footage link him to one victim.  

“The accused is charged with one count of murder though six bodies were discovered. At this stage, as the state, we only have evidence that links him to only one murder. Investigations are ongoing in terms of the circumstances surrounding the other five female bodies that were found at the premises,” she said.  

The state alleges planned and premeditated murder and was granted a seven-day postponement to obtain the accused’s bail information and to verify his address.

Dressed in black, the tall and lean figure covered his face with a T-shirt - and peered at Magistrate Betty Khumalo through the sleeve as she explained the seriousness of the charges against him.  

“The state is alleging that you are facing a schedule six offense, which is a serious offense that would necessitate that a formal bail application is held. In terms of the Criminal Procedure Act this court is obligated to indulge the state within the seven days…you must know sir that if the state succeeds in proving its case – which is beyond reasonable doubt – it means with the charges that you are facing, you would be looking at the prescribed minimum sentence in terms of the Criminal Law Amendment Act to life imprisonment,” Khumalo said.  

The court has barred the publication of the suspect’s identity pending an identity parade in the period leading up to his next court appearance on 18 October.  

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