AN EASTERN Cape businessman is facing arrest for failing to appear in the Bityi Periodical Court outside Mthatha this week.
Qush Security Service boss Walter Qusheka was expected to appear in court with four of his co-accused in connection with the murder of one of his employees, Sakhumzi Ncedana, in November last year.
But the security boss did not pitch up for court proceedings this week.
Prosecutor Mava Mrwebi told the court that Qusheka would not be able to attend court proceedings.
"I was informed that he has been diagnosed with cancer and was going to have an operation today.
"I requested a medical certificate from him but to date I have not received one. I suggest that a warrant of arrest be issued against him.
"It will only be withdrawn on the submission of a medical certificate," the prosecutor said.
Before granting a warrant of arrest against Qusheka, 37, who is out on R1500 bail, the magistrate warned his fellow accused about the seriousness of the offence.
"I must remind you that this is a very serious offence. A man's life was lost, you must always remember that," the magistrate said.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesman Loxolo Tyali confirmed yesterday that the warrant of arrest had been issued by the court.
"It won't be effected until he comes up with a medical certificate, failing which it will be effected," Tyali said.
Qusheka, along with his security guards Mathandile Dlakalwana, 37, Wonga Vellem, 19, Thabile Ngcukana, 19, and Gcobani Landiwe, 26, were arrested following the death of Ncedana, 35, who was also a security guard working for Qush Security Service, owned by Qusheka.
It is alleged that Ncedana, who hails from Qunu, was killed at a supermarket located in Qusheka's Empa Shopping Complex near Mthatha on November 13.
He was allegedly handcuffed and viciously beaten by Qusheka's co-accused on his instructions.
After losing consciousness, Ncedana was then allegedly taken outside the premises and tied to a metal pole on the steps of a guard tower where he died.
Tyali yesterday said Ncedana was allegedly beaten for driving one of Qusheka's trucks into a ditch and getting it stuck.
"We have a strong case against the accused and justice will be done," he promised.
But Qusheka and his co-accused do not yet know what charges they are facing as the senior public prosecutor has not yet decided on whether they should be charged with murder or culpable homicide.
Ncedana's sister and aunt said they were traumatised by the matter.
"My brother should not have died like this. This is cruelty. The wheels of justice must move faster and grind harder," said Ncedana's sister, who would not give her name.
The incident has been described by villagers of Empa as "atrocious", saying it has not only irked them, but has caused disbelief amongst members of Qusheka's Jehovah's Witness Church, where he is a leader.
Businessman faces arrest
AN EASTERN Cape businessman is facing arrest for failing to appear in the Bityi Periodical Court outside Mthatha this week.
Qush Security Service boss Walter Qusheka was expected to appear in court with four of his co-accused in connection with the murder of one of his employees, Sakhumzi Ncedana, in November last year.
But the security boss did not pitch up for court proceedings this week.
Prosecutor Mava Mrwebi told the court that Qusheka would not be able to attend court proceedings.
"I was informed that he has been diagnosed with cancer and was going to have an operation today.
"I requested a medical certificate from him but to date I have not received one. I suggest that a warrant of arrest be issued against him.
"It will only be withdrawn on the submission of a medical certificate," the prosecutor said.
Before granting a warrant of arrest against Qusheka, 37, who is out on R1500 bail, the magistrate warned his fellow accused about the seriousness of the offence.
"I must remind you that this is a very serious offence. A man's life was lost, you must always remember that," the magistrate said.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesman Loxolo Tyali confirmed yesterday that the warrant of arrest had been issued by the court.
"It won't be effected until he comes up with a medical certificate, failing which it will be effected," Tyali said.
Qusheka, along with his security guards Mathandile Dlakalwana, 37, Wonga Vellem, 19, Thabile Ngcukana, 19, and Gcobani Landiwe, 26, were arrested following the death of Ncedana, 35, who was also a security guard working for Qush Security Service, owned by Qusheka.
It is alleged that Ncedana, who hails from Qunu, was killed at a supermarket located in Qusheka's Empa Shopping Complex near Mthatha on November 13.
He was allegedly handcuffed and viciously beaten by Qusheka's co-accused on his instructions.
After losing consciousness, Ncedana was then allegedly taken outside the premises and tied to a metal pole on the steps of a guard tower where he died.
Tyali yesterday said Ncedana was allegedly beaten for driving one of Qusheka's trucks into a ditch and getting it stuck.
"We have a strong case against the accused and justice will be done," he promised.
But Qusheka and his co-accused do not yet know what charges they are facing as the senior public prosecutor has not yet decided on whether they should be charged with murder or culpable homicide.
Ncedana's sister and aunt said they were traumatised by the matter.
"My brother should not have died like this. This is cruelty. The wheels of justice must move faster and grind harder," said Ncedana's sister, who would not give her name.
The incident has been described by villagers of Empa as "atrocious", saying it has not only irked them, but has caused disbelief amongst members of Qusheka's Jehovah's Witness Church, where he is a leader.
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