The Athlone magistrate’s court in the Western Cape has postponed the case against Zukisa Tshabile, a 38-year-old man suspected of the murder of former ANC leader Loyiso Nkohla.
Nkohla was gunned down in a suspected sponsored hit on April 17.
Speaking to Sunday World on Monday, Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in the Western Cape, said Tshabile is charged with murder and several counts of attempted murder.
He added that the state will oppose bail, noting that the accused will remain in custody until his next court date on November 6.
According to Ntabazalila, the court heard that Tshabile was linked to Nkohla’s murder through another suspect who hired him and others to kill the deceased.
The group was linked through a cellphone and bank records.
Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, Hawks spokesperson in the Western Cape, said on Sunday that Tshabile was nabbed by the police on Friday.
“After being positively linked to the crime, the suspect has been charged with murder and three counts of attempted murder,” Hani said.
“This emanates from an incident that happened on 17 April 2023.”
Attack at the train station
Nkohla was caught by a hail of bullets while addressing residents at an informal settlement at the Philippi train station.
Also hit during the attack was former ANC councillor Thembinkosi Pupa. He was rushed to the hospital and later recovered from his wounds.
Nkohla and Pupa had been in the area to engage with shack dwellers on behalf of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa).
The residents had erected homes on the railway line, which is owned by Prasa. It was reported at the time that Nkohla was targeted for his activism in the community.
