Sonwabo Nqayi (39), a pastor and founder of the Holy Burning Fire Ministries of God, was denied bail in the Motherwell Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 24.
Nqayi stands accused of kidnapping and murdering his sister-in-law Lithaliyanda Ntoni (12) last month.
The child disappeared after she was last seen at a shop in Motherwell. Her badly burnt body was discovered three days later, discarded in a bush, in the early hours of June 27.
Nqayi made his first court appearance on 30 June where he was charged with premeditated murder, kidnapping and obstructing the course of justice.
READ: Motherwell ministers fraternity ‘ashamed’ of pastor who stands accused of murdering 12-year-old girl
In his bail application proceedings, bail was strongly opposed by residents, community leaders, pastors and the NPA who attended court.
Commenting on why the State opposed bail, NPA Regional Spokesperson Luxolo Tyali shared that there was a likelihood that the accused would threaten witnesses and try to flee.
“The prosecution has successfully opposed the bail application of Sonwabo Nqayi (39) in the Motherwell Magistrates’ Court,” he said. “The State opposed bail because the matter was premeditated, there was a likelihood of his evading trial and using his influence to threaten witnesses.”
Tyali added that the NPA remains resolute in its commitment to ensure justice is served for victims of violent crime.
The matter has been remanded to August 28 for further investigation.
