The four are accused of kidnapping and assaulting 23-year-old Vuyisile Mzwakhe Khananda and another person between 16 and 17 July 2026. Image: File
Murder
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South Africa
DA councillor, three co-accused face murder, attempted murder and kidnapping charges
A Democratic Alliance councillor and three others have appeared in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court over the alleged kidnapping and assault of two people, one of whom later died from his injuries.
A Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor and her three co-accused have appeared in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court facing charges of murder, attempted murder and kidnapping.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) identified the councillor as 40-year-old Kabelo Relitilwe Mahonko. Her co-accused are 43-year-old Sibusiso Masondo, 33-year-old Muzi Des Godie and 19-year-old Lethabo Nhlanhla Makgabo.
The four are accused of kidnapping and assaulting 23-year-old Vuyisile Mzwakhe Khananda and another person between 16 and 17 July 2026.
According to the NPA, the accused allegedly suspected the two victims of being involved in a housebreaking and theft at Mahonko’s residence.
It is alleged that after the victims were assaulted on 17 July, the accused drove them to Longmore Street in Crystal Park, Benoni, where they were allegedly abandoned.
Both victims were taken to hospital for treatment. Khananda later died from injuries sustained during the alleged assault.
Following a police investigation, the four suspects were arrested on different dates between 17 and 21 August.
They remain in custody.
The case was postponed to 1 September 2026 for a formal bail application.
The State has indicated that it will oppose bail for all four accused.
