A 76-year-old traditional leader is scheduled to appear at the Ngqeleni Magistrates Court today facing murder and attempted murder charges following a weekend shooting incident.
According to police spokespersons, the suspect allegedly opened fire on three individuals who were collecting firewood from a forested area. One of the victims, who was initially hospitalized with injuries, has since succumbed to those injuries, police confirmed.
The matter was first brought before the court on Tuesday but was postponed to today after the presiding magistrate recused themselves, citing a prior professional relationship with the accused.
Community representatives from Godini and Bhantini villages say they plan to gather outside the courthouse to demand that bail be denied. They allege the suspect has repeatedly attempted to prevent local residents from gathering firewood from the plantation, asserting that the land belongs exclusively to the people of Bhantini.
“For years, our community has collected firewood from this area without issue,” stated a community spokesperson. “Now, after this tragic shooting, residents feel they have long endured intimidation from the suspect over access to a resource they have traditionally used.”
Police spokespersons added that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect was taken into custody following the incident. Family members of both the deceased and the surviving injured victims are expected to attend today’s court proceedings.
The case has drawn significant local attention, with residents expressing concern over both the violence and the underlying land access dispute. Court proceedings are expected to address the formal charges as well as bail considerations.
