The murder case involving former boxing world champion Zolani Tete took a new turn on Monday when prosecutors raised concerns over the safety of one of the accused.
Twenty-two-year-old Uzuzole Goqwana appeared in the Mdantsane Magistrates’ Court following his arrest in Kugompo City over the weekend.
Goqwana is one of four men arrested in connection with the fatal shooting at Tete’s Mdantsane home on Friday.
He faces charges of murder and attempted murder after Tete was killed and his 27-year-old partner was wounded in the attack. Police said Tete’s partner remains in hospital.
State raises concerns over accused’s safety
While the case centres on allegations linking Goqwana to Tete’s killing, prosecutors also told the court they were concerned about the accused’s own safety.
The state argued that Goqwana may be safer in police custody while the investigation continues.
Prosecutors are also opposing bail, saying the matter is classified as a Schedule 6 offence and that releasing Goqwana could create a risk of interference with evidence.
Eastern Cape National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said investigations had linked Goqwana to the attack.
The state alleges that Goqwana hired the hit on Tete.
Those allegations remain before the court and have not been proven.
Defence points to medical condition
Goqwana’s legal team took a different approach, asking the court to consider his medical condition when deciding whether he should be granted bail.
The court ordered that he be transferred to the medical section of Westbank Prison.
His matter was postponed until Tuesday, when his formal bail application is expected to proceed.
The decision means Goqwana will remain in custody while the court considers arguments from both the prosecution and defence.
Four suspects now in custody
Goqwana’s appearance comes as investigators continue working to establish what led to the killing and the alleged roles of those arrested.
Four men have now been arrested in connection with the case, although the investigation remains ongoing.
The murder of Tete has attracted widespread attention because of his standing in South African sport. The former two-time world champion was one of the country’s most prominent boxing figures.
His death has left the boxing community mourning while investigators attempt to piece together the events surrounding the attack.
The next major development is expected when Goqwana returns to court for his bail application on Tuesday.
The proceedings could provide further details about the state’s case, including the evidence prosecutors say connects the 22-year-old to the attack.