Major South African shopping mall closes due to protest and violence
Maponya Mall in Soweto, Johannesburg, has been closed as protests erupt following the violent murder of an e-hailing driver.
The state, as well as the accused's lawyers, are expected to make their closing arguments.
The accused, Rachel Kutumela, her sister, Anna Shokane, and daughter, Florah Shokane, had been applying for bail since December last year. They allegedly killed nine people for insurance claims to the tune of R10 million.
Kutumela faces a total of 32 charges.
Her co-accused, and sister, Anna Shokane, has been charged with three counts of murder. The third accused, Florah Shokane, also faces murder, money laundering and fraud charges.
During their last court appearance, the state told the court that Kutumela was part of the team of first responders when the bodies of the deceased were discovered. This was the case, even when it happened in areas outside his jurisdiction as a police officer.
The investigating officer, Captain Keshi Mabunda, is opposing the bail application. He has also told the court that the accused may interfere with witnesses, as they have already done so while in custody.
