The bail application of DA councillor Kabelo Relitilwe Mahonko and her three co-accused has been postponed to 1 September by the Benoni Magistrate’s Court.
Mahonko, 40, appeared alongside Sibusiso Masondo, 43, Muzi Des Godie, 33, and Lethabo Nhlanhla Makgabo, 19, in court together for the first time on Thursday, 27 August 2026.
NPA Tshwane spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the four are facing charges of murder, attempted murder and kidnapping in connection with the death of 23-year-old Vuyisile Mzwakhe Khananda.
Mahanjana said the accused had previously appeared in court separately following their arrests on different dates in August.
Mahonko was arrested on 17 August and appeared in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on 19 August.
Masondo, Godie and Makgabo were subsequently arrested between 17 and 21 August and appeared in court on 21 August. They were remanded in custody pending their appearance together with Mahonko.
According to Mahanjana, the four allegedly kidnapped and assaulted Khananda and another victim between 16 and 17 July after suspecting them of committing housebreaking and theft at Mahonko’s residence.
Mahanjana said that following the alleged assault on 17 July, the accused drove the two victims to Longmore Street in Crystal Park, Benoni, where they allegedly abandoned them.
Both victims were taken to hospital for medical treatment, but Khananda later succumbed to his injuries.
Mahanjana said following police investigations, all four accused were arrested and remain in custody.
The State intends to oppose bail when the accused return to court on 1 September.
The arrests have also prompted calls for Mahonko to be suspended from her political responsibilities.
The EFF in Gauteng called on the DA to suspend Mahonko pending the finalisation of the criminal case, citing the seriousness of the allegations and her position as an elected public representative.
The party also called on the City of Ekurhuleni to suspend Mahonko from municipal duties, arguing that the allegations should not be treated solely as an internal DA matter.
The EFF said it supported the principle that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, but argued that this should not prevent political and ethical accountability while the criminal proceedings are under way.
The DA has referred the matter to its Federal Legal Commission.
