Mandla Msibi, MEC for agriculture, rural development and land and environmental affairs in Mpumalanga, appeared in court on Tuesday, 12 October 2021 in connection with two murders and one attempted murder that had been committed in August.
He appeared in the Nelspruit magistrate’s court for a bail application after handing himself over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Monday, 11 October 2021. The bail application was postponed and is set to continue today. Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane also fired Msibi as MEC last night.
The charges are in connection with a shooting incident on 22 August 2021 in which two people were killed and a third injured, allegedly because of ANC in-fighting in Mbombela.
Msibi handed himself over following the arrest of Joseph Charlie Ngwenya and Tshepo Matsane in September, also in connection with the incident.
According to reports by The Citizen in 2019, Msibi had also previously faced charges of violent assault, attempted murder, malicious damage to property and robbery. These accusations were garnered during his campaign to beat David Mabuza as the ANC’s chairperson in Mpumalanga. City Press reports that he was acquitted on all of these charges about two months ago.
Agri SA issues reminder of upcoming virtual congress
Agri SA’s virtual congress kicks off tomorrow (14 October 2021) and the organisation is reminding those who have not yet registered to do so today.
“Agri SA invites you to join us for its congress focusing on building the economy and addressing environmental issues concerning agriculture,” the organisation says in a statement.
Guest speakers include ministers Thoko Didiza, Barbara Creecy and Pravin Gordhan. Other experts are Theo Vorster, Valli Moosa, John Sanei and David Venter.
ALSO READ: This week’s agriculture events: 11 to 17 October
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
