A charge of rape and robbery has also been added.
A 34-year-old man arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm will now have to answer to more serious charges after his gun was linked to the murder of two people and the rape and attempted murder of others.
The police in the Schoemansdal area says Nhlanhla Mahlalela is behind bars following an arrest on 21 October 2017.
The cops had asked that the court in the area does not grant the man bail and wanted to launch a probe into the gun.
“The charges come about as a result of police investigations following two murders and three attempted murder incidents which occurred within the Schoemansdal area,” Sergeant Gerald Sedibe said.
“These charges include an incident wherein 43 year-old Thokozani William Mahlalela was found dead in his car with gunshot wounds to the head and neck, in the bushes at Boschfontein, on 10 December 2016.
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“Another involves the murder of a 43 year-old man Sibusiso Mashabane also from Boschfontein, who was found dead next to the road, also with gunshot wounds. The other incident involves a 37 year-old man who was asleep with his wife when they were allegedly awoken by the suspect who demanded money at gunpoint, on 09 January 2017.
“[Although he was] given the money, the suspect is alleged to have shot and wounded the man and followed by raping the woman before fleeing the scene.
“The two last incidents involve a 12-year-old girl and a 35-year-old woman who were shot in separate incidents at their houses after the suspect allegedly forced entry and demanded food, he allegedly shot and wounded them before fleeing the scene. The investigations all pointed to Mahlalela,” Sedibe said.
He will appeared again in court on 25 January 2018 to face charges of robbery, murder, rape, attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
(edited by MLM)
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