The bail application of two men accused of murdering Nelson Mandela Bay Ward councillor Sicelo Mleve has been postponed until Monday by the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape.
The accused, 20-year-old Lufunolwethu Nyodi and 21-year-old Ahlumile Stofile, made a brief court appearance before the matter was delayed to allow their legal representatives additional time to consult with them.
The postponement will also give the court an opportunity to consider a media application seeking permission to film the upcoming bail proceedings.
Both accused remain in custody pending the continuation of the case.
Councillor killed during voter registration weekend
Mleve was shot and killed at his constituency office in Zwide during voter registration weekend last month.
He served as a ward councillor in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and was also a member of the African National Congress (ANC) Regional Executive Committee.
His killing shocked the local community and renewed concerns about violence targeting public representatives and political figures, particularly during election-related activities.
Police investigations into the motive behind the shooting are continuing, while prosecutors prepare to oppose or respond to the forthcoming bail application.
At this stage, the allegations against the accused have not been tested in court, and they remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Bail hearing expected to draw significant public interest
Monday’s proceedings are expected to focus on whether the accused should be released pending trial.
In South African law, courts consider several factors when deciding bail applications, including the seriousness of the alleged offence, the strength of the State’s case, the likelihood of the accused standing trial, the risk of interference with witnesses, and whether their release could pose a danger to the public or undermine the administration of justice.
The court’s decision will be based on the evidence presented during the bail hearing rather than public opinion.
ANC calls for suspects to remain in custody
ANC Chief Whip in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Council, Wandisile Jikeka, said the party believes the accused should not be granted bail.
He argued that if the accused were responsible for the killing, their release could present a risk to public safety and other councillors, particularly during an election period when political tensions can be heightened.
The ANC has also reiterated its call for a thorough investigation and for those responsible for Mleve’s death to be held accountable through the judicial process.
Political violence remains a national concern
The killing of elected representatives continues to raise concerns across South Africa, where incidents of politically motivated violence have periodically affected local government structures and electoral processes.
Analysts have long warned that attacks on public officials can undermine democratic participation, discourage community leadership and erode public confidence in local governance.
For this reason, investigations into the deaths of councillors often receive heightened attention from law enforcement agencies and political parties alike.
What happens next?
The New Brighton Magistrate’s Court is expected to resume proceedings on Monday, when the bail application is scheduled to continue.
The court will also determine the outcome of the media application seeking permission to record the proceedings.
Until then, Nyodi and Stofile remain in custody while the criminal case continues through the judicial process.
