THE first person arrested for the BRT shooting in April appeared in the Protea magistrate's court yesterday.
THE first person arrested for the BRT shooting in April appeared in the Protea magistrate's court yesterday.
Sipho Mbatha, 37, was arrested on Friday at Dobsonville Hostel in Soweto.
Mbatha is facing charges of murder, attempted murder, malicious damage to property and being in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
He was not asked to plead. The state said it would oppose his bail.
Magistrate André Auret postponed the case to June 9 for further investigations.
On April 30 gunmen opened fire on two BRT buses - one in Orlando West and the other in Moletsane.
A 32-year-old man was killed in one of the shooting incidents and nine passengers were seriously wounded.
A source close to the investigation said they were expecting to make more arrests soon.
Gauteng MEC forcommunity safety Khabisi Mosunkutuyesterday praised the investigating team for the breakthrough.
His spokesperson, Sizwe Matshikiza, said: "The team must intensify its investigations and arrest the other perpetrators."
He said after the attack the MEC had called for an around-the-clock investigation.
"We would like to assure passengers that the government will do everything in its power to protect them."
Man in court over BRT shooting
THE first person arrested for the BRT shooting in April appeared in the Protea magistrate's court yesterday.
THE first person arrested for the BRT shooting in April appeared in the Protea magistrate's court yesterday.
Sipho Mbatha, 37, was arrested on Friday at Dobsonville Hostel in Soweto.
Mbatha is facing charges of murder, attempted murder, malicious damage to property and being in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
He was not asked to plead. The state said it would oppose his bail.
Magistrate André Auret postponed the case to June 9 for further investigations.
On April 30 gunmen opened fire on two BRT buses - one in Orlando West and the other in Moletsane.
A 32-year-old man was killed in one of the shooting incidents and nine passengers were seriously wounded.
A source close to the investigation said they were expecting to make more arrests soon.
Gauteng MEC forcommunity safety Khabisi Mosunkutuyesterday praised the investigating team for the breakthrough.
His spokesperson, Sizwe Matshikiza, said: "The team must intensify its investigations and arrest the other perpetrators."
He said after the attack the MEC had called for an around-the-clock investigation.
"We would like to assure passengers that the government will do everything in its power to protect them."
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos