Suspect in Shallcross hijacking faces murder, kidnapping charges
One of the suspects allegedly involved in the botched hijacking that resulted in the death of 9-year-old, Sadia Sukhraj has made his first appearance in court.
32-year-old Sbonelo Mkhize claims he has been assaulted whilst in custody.
Mkhize was arrested by an off-duty policeman who witnessed the incident unfold in Shallcross, near Chatsworth south of Durban on Monday. He is facing charges of murder, kidnapping and theft.
One of his alleged accomplices was killed in the botched hijacking. Mkhize has been charged with his murder. A third suspect is at large.
The man accused of murdering #SadiaSukhraj enters the dock of the Durban Magistrate’s Court. His face is swollen & he is walking with a limp. He claims he’s been assaulted by police. @ECR_Newswatch pic.twitter.com/2UBGDV5kdi
— Bernadette Wolhuter (@bernwolhuter) May 30, 2018
Mkhize limped into the dock this morning, his face was swollen and scabbed. He claims it is the result of the beatings he received from community members when he was arrested.
He has also claimed he suffered injuries to his lower body at the hands of police. He has been remanded into custody at Westville Prison, as opposed to the police cells and in light of the allegations of assault.
ALSO READ: Moving tributes paid to Sadia Sukhraj
The Chatsworth community held a vigil outside the Durban Magistrate's Court last night ahead of the court appearance.
The Chatsworth community is holding a vigil outside the court tonight, ahead of tomorrow’s appearance of a man suspected of having been on of those who hijacked #SadiaSukhraj & her father @ECR_Newswatch pic.twitter.com/wb9FeSS1R2
— Bernadette Wolhuter (@bernwolhuter) May 29, 2018