TWO suspects linked to the Pienaar tavern shooting in Mpumalanga abandon bail.
Bongani Nkosi (39) and Mduduzi Lubisi (43) appeared in the KaBokweni Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 21 January.
The duo now faces nine counts of murder after another victim succumbed to his injuries in hospital on Monday, 20 January.
The suspects also face one count of attempted murder, robbery, and possession of firearms and ammunition.
Nkosi's lawyer Nkosingiphile Maluka told the court he received instructions to provisionally abandon bail.
Maluka said the decision came after they learned about an additional charge of murder following the death of the ninth victim.
"When we arrived in court, we were informed that there's been an added charge, and in that instance, I hold instructions from my client that at this stage, we abandon bail, and should there be any further instructions, we'll avail ourselves.
"But at this stage, we're abandoning bail for all the charges," he said.
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Lubisi's lawyer Albert Nkabinde told the court he had received instructions to abandon the bail application.
The state is alleging that the suspects had planned the killings.
It's alleged that on 11 January, the suspects emerged at Levisa tavern in Pienaar, where the victims were.
The suspects then opened fire, killing six of the victims instantly, and three succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
Sibusiso Ndlovu's family welcomed the decision made by the suspects to abandon bail.
Sibusiso's dad Dennis Ndlovu told Daily Sun that applying for bail and possibly being granted it would have compromised the family's safety.
"We're happy with their decision to abandon bail. Families and witnesses wouldn't be safe if they were to be released. So, we're happy they'll remain behind bars," he said.
The matter was postponed to 28 March for further investigation.
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