Four Dwarika murder accused abandoned bail bid
Four of five men accused of the kidnapping and murder of MUT lecturer Chanlall Dwarika have abandoned their bid for bail in the Durban Magistrate's Court.
The 61-year-old engineering lecturer was abducted outside his Sea Cow Lake home over two weeks ago.
Video footage shows Dwarika being shoved into the back seat of his vehicle, before the suspects speed off.
His body was found in a bush in Inanda nearly a week later.
At court on Tuesday, the State first confirmed that three more suspects had been taken into custody and would join the two who were nabbed just over a week ago.
The five men; Sihle Mkhize, Siyabonga Maye, Kwanele Makhaye, Sandile Mkhize and Thobani Mhlongo all opted for legal aid.
The court heard four of the accused face charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping and murder at this stage.
They are alleged to have taken Dwarika's car, cellphone, bank cards and money.
State prosecutor, Calvin Govender told the court Dwarika was forced to draw money against his will before he was assaulted and his throat slit.
Accused number four, Mkhize, at this stage, faces a charge of defeating the ends of justice. He's the only one who has decided to apply for bail.
Govender says the State plans to oppose the application.
The matter was postponed until next week for investigations to continue and preparations for the bail hearing.
