The bail application of three men charged with murder in Phoenix during the July unrest in KwaZulu-Natal is expected to resume in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Brothers Dylan and Ned Govender and co-accused Jeetendra Jaikissoon allegedly attacked five unarmed men on July 12 as they were walking down a street.
The court has heard evidence that Dylan Govender shot Mondle Majola as the group tried to seek refuge in a yard.
The Govenders’ legal team withdrew during the bail application a month ago. The brothers have appointed new representatives.
A total of 36 people were killed in Phoenix when racial tensions erupted in the area during the violence and looting in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Unpacking the Phoenix killings during the recent unrest
Meanwhile, the accused are allegedly being threatened and assaulted in Durban’s Westville prison. This is allegedly instigated by wardens.
Defence attorney Carl van der Merwe told the court during the men’s previous court appearance that the accused are being intimidated when they are waiting in a common area to be taken to their cells after returning from court. This is despite a court order that the three men be kept separately for safety reasons.
In a separate case, the attempted murder case against three other men – Seelan Chetty, Owen Chinnasamy and Keillen Pillay – has been postponed to October 27 for further investigation.
SA Unrest | Phoenix peace march aims to bring communities together following July violence
