The Evander Magistrate’s Court granted Constable Sibusiso Sibeko R8 000 bail on January 20, with strict bail conditions.
Sibeko is facing charges of double murder and kidnapping.
The bodies of Zwelithini Khanye and Siphiwe Thanjekwayo were dumped near the cattle kraal in Ext 25, eMbalenhle on the morning of January 11.
Zwelithini Khanye who was murdered
Sibeko testified through an affidavit his attorney read out in court during his bail application.
The attorney said his client must attend the police’s departmental disciplinary processes.
He also said the court is waiting for the DNA results from the forensic laboratory, which may take a long time. “It will be unfair to his client to be kept in custody.”
Sibeko stated in his affidavit he would relocate to Standerton as an alternative address and that he would not interfere with the witnesses in this case as he does not know them.
The court heard that Sibeko’s cellphone was at the crime scene and that samples of blood found in his car were at the forensic science laboratory for analysis.
The Independent Police Investigation Directorate (IPID) investigator and the State did not oppose Sibeko being released on bail as they did not describe him as a flight risk.
The court released Sibeko on bail on the condition that he move to Standerton until his case concludes. He has to report at the Standerton Police Station twice a day.
He must also report to the investigating officer whenever he wants to go outside the boundaries of Mpumalanga.
The case was postponed to March 25 for further investigation.
