Charges dropped against accused in Soweto tavern mass shooting
Prosecutors have been explaining why they have had to withdraw charges against all the accused in the deadly Soweto tavern mass shooting.
The National Prosecuting Authority says there were no prospects of a successful prosecution.
A group of assailants opened fire on patrons in a bar in the Nomzamo section, killing 16 people.
The attack in July last year grabbed international headlines and in September five people were arrested.
But the NPA now says it's had to withdraw the charges after thoroughly analysing the contents of the docket.
READ: Two gunmen believed to be behind PMB mass shooting - Police
"The NPA concluded that there are no prospects of a successful prosecution, as requests for further investigation were not complied with due to witnesses fearing for their lives or witnesses subsequently losing their lives," says NPA Gauteng's Phindi Mjonondwane.
However, Mjonondwane says they will still pursue two other suspects in the Doornkop and Kliptown shooting that left two people dead in 2021.
"The state will however continue with prosecution against Lepolesa Moshoeshoe on attempted murder charges in a Doornkop docket registered in September 2021 and Thembinkosi Kiviet on a murder charge registered with Orlando SAPS in April 2022."
