Mzwandile Mahambehlala.
That’s the name of the man police have arrested and charged for the Gqeberha mass shooting which resulted in the death of eight people, leaving three others injured. The incident happened in Maqanda Street, Kwazakhele on 29 January.
He appeared briefly at the New Brighton Magistrates’ Court and the matter was postponed for his formal bail application to 20 March 2023, for him to secure his “Legal Wise” attorney.
He was arrested at flats in Walmer earlier this month.
Read more | 'There were bodies all over, lying in pools of blood' - family spokesperson on Gqeberha mass shooting
The victims were enjoying a birthday celebration when the gunmen shot them.
Brothers Vusumzi (51) and Andile (53) Sishuba were killed in the shooting with Kholekile France (54), Mbuyiseli Mboya (64), Nomatamsanqa Mandla (58), Liyema Poro (20), Nandipha Koliti (42) and Thando Fibhi (55).
Vusumzi was hosting his friends at his house when the shooters arrived. The brothers lived next door to each other. The shooters jumped over a fence to get to Andile’s house, and he stood up and demanded to know what they were doing in his yard. The men did not reply, they just opened fire.
During his brief appearance, the magistrate ordered that no pictures of Mzwandile may be taken because there still needs to be an identity parade one.
He has been remanded in custody.
