A Democratic Alliance (DA) ward councillor and three co-accused have been granted bail after appearing in the Benoni Magistrates’ Court on charges of murder, attempted murder and kidnapping on Monday 7 September.
DA ward councillor Kabelo Relitilwe Mahonko, 40, was granted bail of R5,000, while her co-accused, Sibusiso Masondo, 43, Muzi Des Godie, 33, and Lethabo Nhlanhla Makgabo, 19, were each granted bail of R2,000.
According to Lumka Mahanjana, NPA regional spokesperson for the Gauteng Division in Pretoria, the charges relate to the alleged kidnapping and assault of two victims between 16 and 17 July 2026.
The four accused allegedly kidnapped and assaulted Mzwakhe Khananda and another victim after suspecting them of committing a housebreaking and theft at Mahonko’s residence.
Following the alleged assault on 17 July, the accused allegedly drove with the victims before abandoning them on Longmore Street in Crystal Park, Benoni.
Both victims were taken to hospital for medical treatment, but Khananda later succumbed to his injuries.
Following police investigations, the four accused were arrested on various dates between 17 and 21 August 2026 and remained in custody pending the bail proceedings.
During the bail application, Mahonko, Masondo and Godie, through their legal representatives, submitted affidavits stating that they were first-time offenders, primary caregivers of minor children and that the State’s case against them was weak.
Makgabo similarly stated in an affidavit that he was a first-time offender, was pursuing higher education and that the State’s case against him was weak.
State Prosecutor Girly Mahlangu opposed the bail application and presented an affidavit from investigating officer Sergeant Jane Mogopa.
Mogopa stated that all four accused reside in the same area as State witnesses and could potentially interfere with them. She also indicated that Mahonko was a key role player in the matter.
However, the court found that the interests of justice permitted the release of all four accused on bail.
The court noted that Mahonko, Masondo and Godie were primary caregivers of minor children and that there was no evidence suggesting that any of the accused posed a flight risk.
As conditions of bail, the accused were ordered to surrender their passports, report to Crystal Park Police Station once a week and refrain from making direct or indirect contact with witnesses.
The matter was postponed to 9 October 2026 for transfer to the Regional Court.
