Slain EMPD’s family pleads with community not to harm accused after bail release

The family of slain EMPD officer, Banele Skosana, is urging the community of Kwa-Thema in Ekurhuleni not to take the law into their hands following the release of his wife, who allegedly orchestrated his murder.

Sibongile Dlamini was granted R10 000 bail earlier today in the Springs Magistrates Court after she convinced that it would be in the interest of justice for her to be released because she has a special needs child.

Skosana’s killing angered the community of Kwa Thema and sent shockwaves through the country.

His brother, Lunga, is pleading with the community not to get in the way of justice.

The woman of the centre of the controversy is facing charges of murder and conspiracy to murder along with the alleged hitman for Banele Skosana’s murder.

Skosana was gunned down outside his tuck shop in Kwa-Thema last month.

In a judgment that lasted almost two hours, Magistrate Pravinda Lazarus told the court that Dlamini had presented exceptional circumstances for her release on bail, despite facing a schedule 6 offence.

That exceptional circumstance is her 15-year-old son Bandile, who is a paraplegic.

In her application, Dlamini stated that she was the minor’s primary caregiver and even cited how she had to leave her job as a teacher to take care of him full time.

At the same time, Banele’s family say they are not shocked at the decision and Lunga says they will allow the law to take its course.

The matter will return to court on the 2nd of May. Written by Ntsako Mkhari