The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has successfully opposed bail for Nceba Maji (44), who is facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, and attempted murder following a deadly shooting at a home in Walmer Location, Gqeberha, on May 1. Maji is accused of orchestrating a planned attack that resulted in the deaths of Lusanda Thunywashe (40) and her daughter Hailie-Jade Coboza (19). Two co-accused, Sibulele Mzilikazi (28) and Siyabonga Ntswahlana (35), abandoned their bail applications.
According to a statement issued by NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, during the bail hearing, the State, represented by District Court Prosecutor Asavela Dweba, argued that the attack was premeditated and linked to a dispute in the taxi industry. “The accused is alleged to have conspired with hired hitmen to murder a rival taxi operator, but the plan resulted in the deaths of the rival’s wife and daughter instead. Dweba submitted that Maji poses a flight risk due to the serious nature of the charges and the potential for a lengthy prison sentence if convicted,” he said.
He added, “Dweba maintained that the case against Maji is strong, supported by compelling evidence including forensic findings, witness statements, video footage, a confession, circumstantial evidence, and physical items recovered during the investigation. The State also argued that releasing the accused on bail would not be in the interest of justice and would pose a risk to public safety and potential witnesses.”
The matter has been postponed to July 30, when Maji is expected to appear alongside his co-accused at the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court.
“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the court’s decision to deny bail to the accused in the Walmer mother-and-daughter double murder case,” Tyali concluded.
