Two key witnesses in the trial of alleged Cape Town extortion murderers, Yanga ‘Bara’ Nyalara and Wandile Tofile, were killed before they could testify, a court heard on Monday.
Also read: Azapo Western Cape leader gunned down by extortionists
This trial, which is pivotal in addressing a series of violent extortion-linked murders, began at Goodwood Prison, sitting as the High Court.
The prosecution revealed that out of three witnesses, only one remains alive to testify against Nyalara and Tofile, who face charges for 12 murders and six attempted murders.
The State is pushing for this witness to testify via CCTV with their face obscured to ensure their safety. However, Nyalara’s defence insists on seeing the witness’s face, arguing that it is crucial for the defendant’s right to a fair trial.
Nyalara, a former teacher, is accused of being a ‘kingpin’ in the extortion networks in Khayelitsha, which have plagued the area with violence.
He was arrested in 2022 in a dramatic operation described in detail by former police minister Bheki Cele. Tofile, his alleged accomplice, was also implicated in the violent extortion scheme.
Originally, the case involved 18 murder charges and four defendants, but it has since been narrowed to focus on the murders that occurred on 15 May 2021.
Charges against two of the accused have been dropped, and the remaining charges are now concentrated on Nyalara and Tofile.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges on Monday. The prosecution detailed how, on 15 May 2021, Nyalara’s associate, Sikhumbile Nkonki, was murdered, allegedly triggering violent retaliation.
The State claims a group of armed men, led by Nyalara, killed 12 individuals in Khayelitsha, targeting anyone near the extorted businesses.
Senior detective Lieutenant-Colonel Victor Galant testified about the murdered witnesses and the urgent need for protective measures for the surviving witness.
According to News24, Galant highlighted the danger witnesses face in such high-profile cases, saying, ‘The first problem in some mass shootings is witnesses get killed.’
The remaining witness has already survived two assassination attempts, one by imposters posing as police officers and another earlier this month.
This individual, initially under witness protection, chose to leave the programme and is now in hiding.
The trial continues on Tuesday, with the State seeking to proceed with the testimony of the last witness under strict protective measures.
Also read:
Modack trial: Dubai testimony unveils terrifying extortion plot
Picture: Supplied / SAPS