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Bongani Nkosi maintains that he was defending himself in the Pienaar tavern shooting. Photo by Bulelwa Ginindza
“I RESPONDED in self-defence.” Â
These were the words of Bongani Nkosi, a suspect linked to the killings of nine victims shot outside a Pienaar tavern in January.Â
On the day in question, ten people were shot. Â
Six victims died at the scene, while three succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Â
The 39-year-old is applying for bail in the KaBokweni Magistrates Court.Â
During most of the court proceedings, the suspect, dressed in a navy jacket, green T-shirt, and jeans, kept his head down. Â
On Wednesday, 12 February, Bongani told the court through an affidavit read by his lawyer, Nkosingiphile Maluka, that he denies the allegations in their strongest form.Â
He said that on the day of the incident, he was with his uncle, who is also a co-accused in the matter. Â
Bongani said while they were at Levisa Bar Lounge and about to settle, a VW Polo arrived with armed occupants. Â
He said that one of the individuals had a firearm with an extended cartridge. Â
The victims began shooting randomly in the air and the direction of other patrons, including them. Â
Bongani Nkosi maintains that he was defending himself in the Pienaar tavern shooting. Photo by Bulelwa Ginindza
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Bongani explained that it became clear they were acting with a common purpose when the victims started shooting again, collaborating as a team with others in another car. Â
He said because of the shooting, everyone took cover, fearing for their lives.Â
“While we were hiding, one guy walked towards the gate where I had parked my motor vehicle, holding a firearm that had an extended magazine fully loaded. The guy proceeded to fire shots and waved a sign in a tsotsi style, saying that he was coming back facing my direction, and it was unclear as to who he was talking to at that time.Â
“The other guys proceeded to fire gunshots until their firearms were emptied, and they went to reload and continued firing gunshots randomly, pointing at all sides until it was empty, and people started to shout for help.Â
“Therefore, as a result of the imminent danger towards me and those around me, I then responded in self defence to protect myself and those who were shouting for help at the same tavern. I took my gun and started firing shots, and unfortunately, I was not aware of how many were deceased at the scene. It all came to my attention when I was informed of the charges,” he said.Â
Bongani added that he requested the court to release him on bail so he could take care of his family. Â
He said he is not violent and would abide by the bail conditions imposed on him should he be released. Â
He also mentioned that he had no knowledge about the witnesses and had no reason to endanger their lives.Â
His wife, Rianah Mshwane, also took the stand and told the court about the difficulties of coping with his husband’s incarceration. Â
She said she doesn’t think that her marriage will be normal again if his husband is kept in custody as he is his support system.Â
Meanwhile, Sergeant Ben Nkambule disputed that Nkosi acted in self defence. Â
He told the court that the applicant went on to shoot people who were there to have fun and who did not pose any threat to him.Â
“The applicant was with his co-accused, and when they approached the victims, they approached them parallel. They were not randomly shooting; they were shooting straight at the victims. They shot them on the head, and there are no bullet holes around the vicinity of the area to show that the people were randomly shooting, and there is no complaint about that,” he said.Â
At least 48 cartridges were found at the scene.Â
The matter was rolled over to Thursday, 13 February, for a further bail hearing.Â
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