Accused in murders of 2 MK Party members claim they were assaulted by inmates

JOHANNESBURG - Four men accused of murdering two MK Party supporters in Katlehong claim they were assaulted by inmates while in custody.

Sithembile Magasela, Jackson Mphahlele, Mduduzi Ranyao and Sipho Xaba appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court for a formal bail application on Tuesday.

They were arrested after they allegedly shot the two MK Party supporters during a physical altercation last month.

The four men accused of murdering Xolani Mkhwanazi and Bongani Nzimande claim they were beaten up while in the bus transporting them to court. 

Their legal representative, Peter Zwane, has requested that his clients be moved from the Boksburg prison, citing safety concerns.

"I do not think that it is in anyone's interest that the accused persona be subjected to what they went through this morning."

But Magistrate Fasiya Timol said the court was not mandated to approve the four suspects' transferral to a different prison.