OUTCRY AS COP RELEASED BEFORE BURIALS

MANZINI - Shock, wailing, and tears were the reactions of the next of kin of the four pedestrians who were allegedly killed by a traffic police officer, after hearing that he had been released on bail.

The officer, Wandile Prince Ntshalintshali (32) of Matsapha, was released yesterday after he was admitted to E10 000 bail by Magistrate Lucia Lukhele at Matsapha Circuit Court. His second court appearance was held in chambers. The families of the four men, who were allegedly killed by the police officer when he ploughed into them while at Bethany, are not happy.

The family members who were found at Jericho Church Reverend Sidumo Khoza’s residence yesterday, revealed that they were livid after they learnt that Ntshalintshali had been released on bail.

Slapped

The officer, who was slapped with eight counts, four of culpable homicide, paid the bail amount about 10 minutes after his court appearance.
“For this to happen a few days after the crime was committed is heartbreaking and scary. The police blame us when we take the law into our hands, but it is because of such moves,” one of the distraught members said yesterday.

Most of the family members wanted to know why the officer was released, especially because the burials had not yet taken place.
They insisted that they needed justice for the deaths of the four Jericho members.

One of the Jericho priests, William Mazibuko, who was also present, said the court should have at least waited for the funeral services to take place before releasing the accused person, as a sign of mourning and respect to the affected families.

Meanwhile, the families have revealed they had no funds to bury the four victims and pleaded with members of the public to assist them financially. The victims Mthobisi Lugogo (22) of Sithobelweni, Sibusiso Mfanawenkhosi Maziya (33), Mpendulo Maziya (23) both of Siphofaneni and Bongani Gamedze (21) of Mankayane died on the spot during the accident over the weekend.

Afford

Mpendulo’s sister, Thandiwe Motsa, said her brother was employed as a construction worker and could not even afford to support his family.
Anyone willing to assist the family with donations for the funeral arrangements is advised to contact Motsa (7834 8632).
Meanwhile, Sibusiso’s relative, Reverend Mazibuko, also pleaded with members of the public to assist with donations for the funeral as they were currently financially crippled.

Sibusiso, who was a bricklayer, left behind three minors, including a seven month old baby.
Anyone willing to assist Sibusiso’s family is advised to contact Mazibuko on 7631 3429.

The victims are to be laid to rest this coming weekend at their different parental homesteads.
Meanwhile, the officer was warned not to interfere with crown witnesses while out on bail, to attend all his remands and not to evade trial. He is expected back in court on June 11, 2019 pending the setting of his trial date.

Surrendered

Ntshalintshali, who surrendered himself to his colleagues and later spent the night at Mafutseni Police Station, was charged with eight counts, four of culpable homicide, failing to stop after the accident, failing to ascertain injuries, failing to render assistance to the victims, failing to report the accident and further giving the police false information.

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