Defence in trial where 2 men tortured to death at Mpumalanga farm questions witness integrity

JOHANNESBURG - The defence in the murder trial where two men were tortured to death at a farm in Mpumalanga has questioned the integrity of a former security guard now turned State witness.

Sfiso Thwala and Musa Nene were beaten to death on the evening of 9 August 2020 when their car got stuck near the Bampoen Farm in Mkhondo.

ALSO READ: Farm owner allegedly tells security guards to lie to police after 2 men beaten to death

Eight men are currently on trial at the Middelburg High Court for their murder.

Former security guard at the Bampoen Farm, Mthokozisi Vilakazi, said he was told by the farm owner to make a false statement to police about what happened on 9 August 2020.

Vilakazi said he later made a second statement to police after not being able to live with the guilt.

Defence lawyer Jaap Cilliers highlighted that Vilakazi took an oath when making his first statement.

He said the oath Vilakazi took outlines that his words were true and were not made under duress.

Under questioning by the defence lawyer, Vilakazi said he was not threatened or promised anything by the farm owner when he was asked to lie to the police.