Five suspects in Malcolm Pather murder case opt to remain in custody
Image: Kim Swartz
THE five accused in the murder of Malcolm Pather have abandoned their bid for bail.
Stacey Lee Hector, Wade van Reenen, Kyle Francis, Igshaan Abrahams and Courtney Nortjie returned to the dock at the Atlantis Magistrates Court yesterday.
The court heard that images of the accused were allowed to be taken before proceedings started.
MURDERED: Malcolm Pather
Image: Supplied
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The accused are facing Schedule 6 charges of murder in terms of common purpose, kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.
This after they allegedly lured and killed Pather and burned his body.
The accused were expected to apply for bail and the State intended to oppose their applications, however, they opted to remain in jail.
Igshaan and Courtney seen kissing before court proceedings.
Image: Kim Swartz
The court heard that the post-mortem report, statements, crime scene photos, further witness statements, toxicology reports are outstanding, and the case postponed for further investigation.
The accused are expected back in court on September 29.
Pather, from Durban, disappeared on July 13. His phone was turned off after he left his residence in Richwood, Table View.
Police officials confirmed that Pather's body was discovered burned beyond recognition on July 14 in Melkbosstrand at the back of a bakkie that was stolen in Goodwood between July 12 and 13.
According to Daily Voice sources, the bakkie was burned twice and evidence found at the crime scene led to a potential suspect.
The suspect was identified on video footage in possession of Pather's vehicle, which was later recovered in Mitchells Plain.
Hector, 39, was arrested on July 25 in Table View, while Van Reenen, 39, was arrested on July 28 at the Cape Town Magistrates Court facing drug charges in another matter.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said: 'A 41-year-old male [Francis] was arrested in Mitchells Plain on Wednesday, July 30 and two others, a female age 29 [Nortje] and male age 33 [Abrahams] in Sea Point on Friday, August 1.'
Pather's funeral took place on August 2 in Chatsworth.
He is survived by his minor child.
Stacey and Courtney entering the docket from the female holding cells.
Image: Kim Swartz
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