Trio linked to Teboho Joala murder to remain behind bars

The three made their first appearance in the Lenasia Magistrate's Court on Monday following their arrest last week.

Joala was shot multiple times during a back-to-school drive in Zakarriya Park, south of Johannesburg, in January this year.

The trio face a schedule six charge of two counts of premeditated murder, as well as three counts of attempted murder.

Magistrate Maggy van der Merwe presided over their first appearance.

"This matter is set down for next week Monday, 29 April for a formal bail application. I've also allocated time on the following day if it is necessary.  All three accused remain in custody without bail," Van Der Merwe ordered.  

Khulekani Mdluli, Zamokuhle Ntombela, and Lindani Mtshali join Ayanda Ngwenya in the case - bringing the total number of people that have been arrested to four.

Ngwenya was arrested in March after he was found with the gun which is believed to be the murder weapon.

His case has been remanded to 13 May.

Meanwhile, chief whip in the Johannesburg council, Sthembiso Zungu, who was wounded in the attack, also attended proceedings.

Zungu, who was shot in his leg and shoulder during the attack, said was hopeful police investigations will lead authorities to whoever ordered the hit.

"Seeing these people for the first time after the incident really brought back that bad memory. It was a traumatic experience for most of us. We are just hopeful that this case will be cracked and, listening to the cops, we are hopeful that something will happen," Zungu said.

Joala's family was also in court.

In a statement released on Friday following news of the latest arrests, the family said they would not be commenting in the media to allow law enforcement officials to conclude their investigation.