Magistrate recuses herself in murdered sisters case

THE magistrate presiding over the murder case of two sisters gunned down outside Portlands Primary School has recused herself from hearing the bail application of the accused.

The magistrate stated concerns that she had prior knowledge of elements expected to be raised in the State’s opposition.

Two suspects linked to the tragic shooting of sisters Gouwah Smith-Newman and Zainab Jacobs appeared in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Murder-accused Ederies Smith, 32, and Nazmie Lekay, 33, face Schedule 6 offences including two counts of murder, attempted murder and elements of domestic violence. 

Smith’s sisters, Smith-Newman and Jacobs, were gunned down on November 6 outside the school in Mitchells Plain. 

The shocking incident also left a 12-year-old boy injured.

The court heard that the State intends on opposing bail after the case was postponed to November 17.

The mood in the court was tense and emotional as family members and friends were present.

The State alleges that Smith and Lekay committed murder by a way of common purpose.

Smith was allegedly seen after he opened fire at both sisters. He allegedly first fired shots at Jacobs while she was inside a white Range Rover at the time.

Jacobs then ran out of the vehicle, but Smith reportedly gave chase and continued to fire shots at her.

Meanwhile, Smith-Newman was still in the vehicle at the time of the first shooting. Smith allegedly went back to the vehicle and fired shots at her.

Lekay was placed as the driver of a “getaway car” and it is alleged that he concealed the firearm that was used in the incident.

Cape Times