The people of Nomzamo in Orlando East came out in their numbers to face the killers that claimed 16 lives in their area. They gathered outside at the Orlando East Magistrate Court, where five of the accused were appearing for various charges including robbery and murder. The incident took place in July when unknown gun wavering men ambushed unsuspecting patrons at Mdlalose's Tavern, while they were drinking and watching a game of rugby.

A CRIME RIDDLED COMMUNITY

The death of the patrons revealed underlying issues in the area where residents had to live in constant fear of violent crimes. Residents claimed that they had been living in the dark for years and as a result became a target for criminals. They said as soon as it got dark everyone has to be indoors and locked in because gun shots were their daily bread. Speaking to Zimoja Ntombizinhle Mjoli explained that she lost three of her brothers that night. She said she was not happy because she could not look her brother's killers in the face because she couldn't enter the courtroom.
"I wanted to see them and know who they are unfortunately family members were left outside and the courtroom was filled with people we don't know," said Mjoli.

BHEKI CELE KEPT HIS WORD

She said she was very happy that at least some arrests were made.
"Bheki Cele kept his word and we are hopeful that the rest of the killers will soon be arrested according to the police. I hope that they don't get bail and live the rest of their miserable lives behind cold walls," she said. Siziwe Ngonyama said, "it's as if this thing happened yesterday, I am reliving the pain as we speak. I lost four family members that night and still can't come to terms with the loss. I want them to get a life sentence because if they come back our own lives will be in danger."

MULTIPLE MURDER CASES

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National Prosecuting Authority' Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed that five accused appeared in court on Monday. "There is a prima facie case against all five accused. The suspects before court are charged with 19 counts of murder, 16 from Nomzamo and three from other dockets linked to them. We've got four cases from Orlando SAPS and two from Kliptown SAPS, which were combined into one docket,"said Mjonondwane. She explained that the accused were charged with murder, attempted murder and robbery with aggregating circumstances.                                                                                                                                                                                                        "Two of the accused are South Africans and three are Lesotho nationals. At this stage we can confirm that this was a planned hit, with traces of illegal mining and cable theft within. However as the investigations continue we will be able to give answers. Mjonondwane said an identity parade needs to conducted, therefore the identity of the accused cannot be revealed by the media."
The accused will be back in court on the 18th of October