Khayelitsha CPF chair fears what community may do if accused in mass shooting granted bail

CAPE TOWN - Khayelitsha CPF chairperson Mbulelo Bambelo doesn't think releasing the two men accused of being involved in a recent mass killing in the township on bail will be the right decision.

Athule Mtsha and Sithisa Masiko appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court on Tuesday to apply for bail.

They are accused of killing four people, including three children, at a barbershop in Site C last month.

The pair plans to plead not guilty to four murder and 11 attempted murder charges against them.

In the bail application affidavits read out in court by their lawyers, Mtsha and Masiko denied being the shooters at the barbershop on 8 June.

They asked the court to release them on bail and promised not to interfere with witnesses or commit any crime.

However, Bambelo said that releasing them on bail right now won't be a good idea.

"We don't know what the community might do. Honestly speaking, I still feel this is still the best option, not just for the justice system but for themselves as well because the mood out there, others feel like they want to take the law into their own hands."

The pair's bail application will continue on 10 June.