Suspect In Zolani Tete Murder Appears In Court As State Opposes Bail
One of the four men arrested in connection with the murder of former boxing champion Zolani Tete appeared in the Mdantsane Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Twenty-two-year-old Uzuzole Goqwana appeared following his arrest in Qumbu over the weekend.
Goqwana faces charges of murder and attempted murder following the shooting at Tete’s home in Mdantsane on Friday. Tete was killed in the attack, while his 27-year-old partner sustained gunshot wounds and remains in hospital, according to police.
Eastern Cape National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said investigations had allegedly linked Goqwana to the attack.
The State alleges that Goqwana hired a hit on Tete and is opposing his bail application. Prosecutors argued that the matter falls under Schedule 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act and raised concerns that the accused could interfere with the investigation or evidence.
The State also expressed concerns about Goqwana’s safety, arguing that he may be safer while in police custody.
His defence, however, asked the court to consider his medical condition when deciding whether to grant bail.
The court subsequently ordered that Goqwana be transferred to the medical section of Westbank Prison.
The matter has been postponed to Tuesday for a formal bail application.