Ziwaphi Relentless quest for the truth
A member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) accused of illegally selling plots in Mpumalanga has been released on R1 000 bail.
Edwin Mshika, from Mataffin near Mbombela, was arrested by the Nelspruit Commercial Branch unit on Friday.
He was not asked to plead when he appeared in the Nelspruit District Court on Friday.
He appeared briefly in the Nelspruit District Court on Friday and the case was postponed to December 8.
Provincial police spokesman Sergeant Gerald Sedibe told African Eye News Service that investigations indicated the plots were sold to individuals for R10 000 each and some more than the amount.
“Fourteen suspects have been arrested so far and they are expected to appear in court together on December 8,” said Sedibe on Monday.
Sergeant Sedibe said more arrests were still imminent.
“Currently fourteen suspects have been apprehended by the Hawks,” he said.
Mshika will appear together with Mbombela capital city ward councillor, Kenneth Mkhonto, who was arrested with seven others in connection with an arson case connected to the selling of the plots.
According to a community member who asked to remain anonymous, the accused set the properties on fire to express their anger at an alleged illegal land sale.
Mkhonto, Wonder Phuri, Nomcebo Mashele, Jerry Siboza, Bongani Mabunda, Dumisani Makhubela, Frazer Nyoni and member of the Mbombela mayoral committee Constance Maseko, were charged for malicious damage to property and arson in July this year.
They were not asked to plead when they appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s court and were released on R1 000 bail.
EFF provincial leader Collen Sedibe has confirmed that Mshika is an EFF member and is facing the charges as laid against him by the police.
“Apparently, he said he was arrested at his house on Friday for charges he did not know of. He was taken to the police station where he was charged for selling the plots illegally at Mataffin,” said Collen.
Collen accused ANC councillors of setting Mshika up for blowing the whistle against them.
“He said they are now accusing him of being involved in the illegal selling of the plots,” said Sedibe.
