Court denies bail to Zweliphansi Stanley Skhosana in the high-profile Sindiso Magaqa murder matter

Another accused in the murder of former ANC Youth League Secretary General Sindiso Magaqa, 55-year-old Zweliphansi Stanley Skhosana was denied bail at the Mzimkhulu Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Skhosana faces multiple charges, including the murder of ANC official. 

Magaqa was killed in July 2017 in the town of Mzimkhulu, a crime that has since had serious reverberations for the political landscape in South Africa.

During the proceedings, the magistrate emphasised that Skhosana failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances that would merit his release on bail.

The court further asserted that allowing him bail would not be in the interest of justice.

The charges against Skhosana were extensive, encompassing conspiracy to commit murder, murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, malicious injury to property, and defeating the administration of justice.

Given the severe nature of the allegations against him and the potential threat to public safety, were factors that the court needed to consider before making the ruling.

As the state prepares for the next stages of this legal battle, an indictment has officially been served on Skhosana.

His case was remanded October 6, when he will appear at the Pietermaritzburg High Court, where he will join his two co-accused in the Magaqa matter, Sbonelo Myeza and Mbulelo Mpofana.

The murder of Magaqa not only shocked his family and friends but also raised serious concerns regarding political violence and the safety of public figures in South Africa.

DAILY NEWS