Councillor and three co-accused granted bail over murder, kidnapping charges

A ward councillor and three co-accused have been granted bail in connection with the alleged kidnapping and assault of two men, one of whom later died from his injuries in Benoni.

Kabelo Relitilwe Mahonko, 40, was granted bail of R5,000 by the Benoni Magistrates’ Court, while her co-accused, Sibusiso Masondo, 43, Muzi Des Godie, 33, and Lethabo Nhlanhla Makgabo, 19, were each granted bail of R2,000.

The four face charges of murder, attempted murder and kidnapping.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the incident allegedly occurred between 16 and 17 July 2026 after Mahonko suspected Khananda and another victim of breaking into and stealing from her home.

The accused allegedly kidnapped and assaulted the two victims before driving them to Longmore Street in Crystal Park, Benoni, where they were abandoned.

Both victims were taken to hospital, but Khananda later died from his injuries.

Police investigations led to the arrests of the four accused between 17 and 21 August.

During the bail proceedings, the accused argued that they were first-time offenders and that the State's case against them was weak.

Mahonko, Masondo and Godie also told the court that they were primary caregivers to minor children, while Makgabo stated that he was pursuing higher education.

The State opposed bail, with prosecutor Girly Mahlangu relying on an affidavit from investigating officer Sergeant Jane Mogopa.

Mogopa told the court that the accused lived in the same area as State witnesses and could potentially interfere with them. She also described Mahonko as a key role player in the case.

However, the court found that the interests of justice allowed the four accused to be released on bail and noted that there was no evidence that they posed a flight risk.

As part of their bail conditions, the accused must surrender their passports, report to Crystal Park Police Station once a week and have no direct or indirect contact with witnesses.

The matter was postponed to 9 October 2026 for transfer to the Regional Court.