Suspect in Shallcross hijacking faces murder, kidnapping charges
One of the suspects arrested following a botched hijacking that resulted in the death of nine-year-old Sadia Sukhraj in Chatsworth has made his first appearance in court.
Thirty-two-year-old Sbonelo Mkhize claims he's been assaulted whilst in custody.
Mkhize was arrested by an off-duty policeman who witnessed the incident and is facing charges of murder, kidnapping and theft.
One of his alleged accomplices was killed in the botched hijacking. Mkhize has been charged with his murder while a third suspect is still at large.
Mkhize limped into the dock this morning - his face was swollen and scabbed - the result of what he claims are the beatings he received from community members when he was arrested.
He claimed he suffered injuries to his lower body at the hands of police. He has been remanded into custody at Westville Prison as opposed to the police cells and in light of the allegations of assault.
The Chatsworth community held a vigil outside the Durban Magistrate's Court on Tuesday ahead of Mkhize's court appearance.
The man accused of murdering #SadiaSukhraj enters the dock of the Durban Magistrate’s Court. His face is swollen & he is walking with a limp. He claims he’s been assaulted by police. @ECR_Newswatch pic.twitter.com/2UBGDV5kdi
— Bernadette Wolhuter (@bernwolhuter) May 30, 2018