The man believed to be behind the murder of former ANC councillor and community activist, Loyiso Nkohla Mabandla, made his first court appearance today.

Nkohla was gunned down during a visit of the Philippi railway station on 17 April, this year. He was attending a meeting regarding the occupation of the Metrorail Central Line in the Philippi region.

SAPS’ Priority Crime Investigation Directorate, Hawks, believe Nkonhla’s link to that matter, was the motive behind his murder.

“It is believed that [Nkohla] was targeted for his role in talks to clear Metrorail’s Central Line, where families had built their homes.” – Zinzi Hani, Warrant Officer

Several others were also injured the shooting incident that day.

More than six months after the incident, the Hawks made a breakthrough in the case last Friday, when they arrested the accused, Zukisa Tshabile.

Tshabile appeared in the Athlone Magistrates Court today, where he was charged with one count of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the State alleges that a hit was ordered on Nkohla.

“The State alleges that the accused is linked to another suspect who owns a security company who hired the accused… to kill Nkohla. The accused is linked to the suspect mentioned above through cellphone and bank records.” – Eric Ntabazalila, National Prosecuting Authority

The NPA’s Eric Ntabazalila says the accused opposed an application for photos to be taken of him by the media – as he feared for his family’s life.

“This irritated the deceased’s family and others in the court. The magistrate allowed the media to take pictures.”

The 38-year-old accused returns to court on Monday, 6 November, for bail information. The State says it will oppose his bail bid, should the accused apply for bail.