Democratic Alliance (DA) Ekurhuleni councillor Kabelo Relitilwe Mahonko and three co-accused will remain in custody after appearing in the Benoni Magistrates’ Court on serious charges stemming from the alleged kidnapping and assault of two men, one of whom later died.

Mahonko, 40, appeared alongside Sibusiso Masondo, 43, Muzi Des Godie, 33, and Lethabo Nhlanhla Makgabo, 19, on Thursday on charges including murder, attempted murder and kidnapping.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that the four accused are facing the murder charge in connection with the death of 23-year-old Vuyisile Mzwakhe Khananda.

According to the State, the incident unfolded between July 16 and 17, when the accused allegedly kidnapped Khananda and another man after suspecting them of having committed housebreaking and theft at Mahonko’s residence.

The two men were allegedly assaulted during the incident.

The NPA said that following the alleged assault on July 17, the accused allegedly drove with the two victims before abandoning them on Longmore Street in Crystal Park, Benoni.

Both victims were subsequently taken to hospital for medical treatment.

Khananda later died from injuries sustained in the alleged assault.

The arrests followed a police investigation, with the four accused being arrested on different dates between August 17 and 21.

They have since been remanded in custody.

The matter was postponed to September 1, when the accused are expected to formally apply for bail.

The State has indicated that it will oppose their release.

The latest court appearance comes after African Times reported last week on mounting political pressure on the DA to take action against Mahonko following his arrest.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng called for his immediate suspension from his responsibilities as an elected public representative, arguing that the seriousness of the allegations required a decisive political response.

EFF Gauteng provincial chairperson Nkululeko Dunga said the allegations should not be treated merely as an internal party matter.

“Accountability cannot depend on the colour of the political T-shirt worn by the accused. The law must apply equally to all,” Dunga said.

The EFF also criticised the DA’s decision to refer the matter to its Federal Legal Commission, saying this should not be the only response while Mahonko remained a serving councillor.

The party called for Mahonko to be suspended from public responsibilities pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings and urged the City of Ekurhuleni to take similar action.

However, the EFF stressed that its demand for suspension did not amount to a finding of guilt.

Mahonko and his co-accused remain presumed innocent, and the allegations against them still have to be tested in court.

The criminal case has nevertheless intensified scrutiny of the DA’s handling of serious criminal allegations involving one of its elected representatives.

The EFF has argued that political and ethical accountability can be considered separately from the criminal process, while maintaining that guilt or innocence must ultimately be determined by a competent court.

The party also called on the South African Police Service and the NPA to ensure that the investigation and prosecution proceed without political interference.

The latest developments mean the four accused will remain behind bars until at least their bail hearing on September 1.

The State’s decision to oppose bail is expected to place the circumstances surrounding Khananda’s death, the alleged assault and the role of each accused under further scrutiny when the matter returns to court.

For now, the central question before the court will be whether the accused should be released while the investigation and criminal proceedings continue.

The case remains before the Benoni Magistrates’ Court.