Two suspects have been added to the pre-trial proceedings for Stellenbosch Municipality’s deputy mayor, in relation to the murder of the former Stellenbosch deputy mayor, Cameron Mcako.
This was according to Eric Ntabazalila, the spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Stellenbosch Municipality’s deputy mayor, Nyaniso Jindela, and five other suspects appeared in the Western Cape High Court for the pre-trial on 10 September, said Ntabazalila.
“[The pre-trial is] meant to ensure all parties are ready for trial,” said Ntabazalila. “You need to get all the parties to tell the court that they are ready for trial before a trial date is set.”
Mcako was fatally shot on the evening of 1 November 2019 at Happy Rest Tavern, of which he was the owner, according to a MatieMedia article from 4 June.
Nyaniso Jindela, Stellenbosch Municipality’s deputy mayor, recently appeared in the Western Cape High Court for his pre-trial in relation to the murder of the former Stellenbosch deputy mayor, Cameron Mcako, according to Eric Ntabazalila, the spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority. The pre-trial took place on 10 September. PHOTO: Sourced/Stellenbosch Municipality
The other five suspects include Unathi Jindela, who is Nyaniso’s wife, as well as Phumlani Sibongo and Gladstone Relegu, according to Ntabazalila. The two newly added suspects are Bonisanani Fihla and Phakamisa Nkopho, he said.
Nkopho did not come from Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison to attend the pre-trial. “His case was postponed in absentia,” said Ntabazalila.
All the accused are being charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder, while Sibongo, Fihla and Nkopho have additional charges of attempted murder and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. This is according to the official indictment document issued by the Western Cape High Court.
Nyaniso Jindela, Stellenbosch Municipality’s deputy mayor, first appeared in the Stellenbosch Magistrates’ Court on 3 June, in relation to the murder of the former Stellenbosch deputy mayor, Cameron Mcako. After his appearance, he was placed on special leave pending the outcome of the police investigation, according to Stuart Grobbelaar, spokesperson of Stellenbosch Municipality. PHOTO: Alexander Brand
The next pre-trial conference is scheduled for 22 October. “[This is] so that the accused’s legal representation can be sorted out,” said Ntabazalila.
Impact in Stellenbosch
The Jindelas and Relegu originally appeared in the Stellenbosch Magistrates’ Court on 3 June, after which they were released on R5 000 bail each, according to the MatieMedia article from 4 June.
Pending the outcome of the police investigation, Nyaniso has been placed on special leave, according to Stuart Grobbelaar, spokesperson for Stellenbosch Municipality.
Nyaniso Jindela, Unathi Jindela and Gladstone Relegu were taken into custody by Stellenbosch South African Police Service on 2 June, in connection with the murder of Cameron Mcako in 2019, according to Stuart Grobbelaar, spokesperson for Stellenbosch Municipality. PHOTO: Alexander Brand
“There has been no impact [on municipal proceedings], as the executive mayor is currently the acting head of the Human Settlements Portfolio, for which Mr Jindela was responsible,” said Grobbelaar.
Stellenbosch South African Police Service (SAPS) is still playing an active role in the proceedings, to ensure a smooth trial and give assistance when needed. This was according to Captain Nathalie Martin, Stellenbosch SAPS spokesperson.
Timeline of the case against the six suspects on trial for the murder of Stellenbosch’s former deputy mayor, Cameron Mcako. INFOGRAPHIC: Alexander Brand