Logistical error delays Jumpers mass shooting case ahead of bail hearing

A logistical error that prevented the defence from consulting one of the accused has delayed proceedings in the Cleveland mass shooting case by another week.

The three Lesotho nationals accused of killing 13 people and attempting to murder 14 others at the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland appeared briefly in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

The matter was expected to proceed with the accused’s bail application and the defence’s challenge to the admissibility of their alleged confessions. However, defence lawyer, Phumudzo Sadiki, requested a postponement after telling the court he had been unable to properly consult with accused number one, Molebeli Mosia.

Sadiki said he was only able to meet Mosia briefly on Thursday morning, leaving the defence with insufficient time to prepare.

The matter has been postponed to 17 July, when the accused are expected to proceed with their bail application.

The State has indicated it will oppose bail, while the defence maintains the three men were wrongfully arrested and alleges the confessions police intend to rely on were obtained through torture, assault and coercion.

Sadiki said the accused were forced to sign statements they did not understand, denied they were found in possession of ammunition when arrested, and argued they are not flight risks because they have verified South African addresses and families living in the country.

The defence is also expected to challenge the admissibility of the alleged confessions through a trial-within-a-trial, arguing the statements were not made voluntarily.

Outside court, a small group residents from the Jumpers informal settlement gathered to demand justice for the victims. Community members said they continue to live in fear following last month’s attack.

Survivor, Thobile Ngcobo, recalled hiding under a bed during the shooting and said the community remains traumatised and fearful for its safety.

The three accused face multiple counts of murder and attempted murder after 13 residents were killed and 14 others wounded during the mass shooting at the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland.

The case returns to the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on 17 July.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe