‘Overwhelming Evidence’Bail Denied for Accused in Vereeniging Taxi Massacre

The Vereeniging Magistrates’ Court has denied bail to 44-year-old Mandlakayise Louis Makhunga of Alberton.

Makhunga faces a series of serious charges, including:

• Six counts of murder

• 17 counts of attempted murder

• Robbery with aggravating circumstances

• Possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition

His co-accused, Jaulane Mlambe , 30, from Germiston, and Sabelo Mchunu , 25, from Kliprivier, have also abandoned their bail applications amid overwhelming evidence against them.

The Incident

The charges stem from a harrowing incident on the afternoon of 3 February 2026 .

A minibus taxi carrying 22 passengers was travelling along the R59 near Meyerton , en route from Johannesburg to Lesotho.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the three accused approached the taxi in their vehicle and opened fire, killing six passengers and injuring several others.

“The brutal attack escalated as the accused rammed the taxi, then exited their vehicle to hijack a nearby motorist before fleeing the scene,” said provincial NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana.

The Chase

Law enforcement authorities, alerted by the hijacking victim, quickly mobilised in pursuit of the suspects.

In an intense chase, the accused abandoned the hijacked vehicle and fled into nearby bushes.

• Mlambe and Mchunu were apprehended shortly after

• Makhunga was arrested hours later after security officers spotted him walking barefoot and nursing a gunshot wound in the Kliprivier area

The Bail Hearing

During the bail proceedings, the State, represented by Advocate Reuben Chabalala , presented a damning case against Makhunga.

“The Investigating Officer’s affidavit raised critical red flags about Makhunga’s credibility, noting that he lacked a fixed address, failed to cooperate with the police, and misrepresented information in his bail affidavit, claiming, among other things, that he owned a farm.”

The prosecution argued that releasing Makhunga would pose a significant flight risk and would not serve the interests of justice given the gravity of the charges.

The Ruling

The presiding magistrate ruled against the bail application, highlighting:

• The strength of the State’s case

• Makhunga’s attempts to mislead the judicial system

• His precarious living situation as evidence he may evade trial

What’s Next

The matter has been postponed to 30 April 2026 for further investigation.

The Bottom Line

Six dead. Seventeen injured. Three accused. Zero bail.

The court said the evidence is overwhelming. The suspects will stay behind bars as the case continues.

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com