The case against five of the 11 suspects linked to the Bekkersdal mass tavern shooting has been postponed to January 5 for legal aid applications, while their identities remain withheld pending an ID parade. The legal case against five men charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition has been postponed to January 5, after their case was rolled over for a legal aid application. This development follows their abandonment of a bail application on Tuesday.
Some of the suspects, who are Lesotho nationals, are also accused of Contravention of the Immigration Act. Their identities are still being withheld as they’re yet to undergo an ID parade,which may help determine their connection to the Bekkersdal tavern mass shooting. which may help determine their connection to the Bekkersdal tavern mass shooting These five suspects are among 11 individuals arrested in connection with the mass shooting at the KwaNoxolo Tavern on Christmas Eve.
This, while the other six are yet to be formally charged. The five were charged with having live ammunition, having unlicensed firearms, and defeating the ends of justice. All 11 suspects are believed to be connected to illegal mining activities, colloquially known as zama zama operations, which were intercepted by law enforcement agencies who were engaged in random searches aimed at mitigating the threats posed by armed illegal miners operating in the Westonaria area.
