Murder accused's prison hospital stay linked to preferential treatment

ANC veteran Zibuse Mlaba’s murder accused cousin Mzamo Patrick Mlaba allegedly used his  connections for favours while at Westville prison hospital.

This emerged on Wednesday when State prosecutor Advocate Nokulunga Ngcobo asked the court to note how Mzamo was abruptly discharged from the prison hospital after they questioned his admission there.

“We deal with the issue of him being admitted to a medical ward. We established that he has  connections and he was favoured in prison,” Ngcobo said. 

Mzamo, 68 told the Camperdown Magistrate's Court on Wednesday that he was sick and had been admitted to the prison hospital from the day he was arrested. He also alleged that the prison was inadequate in treating his medical conditions. 

He is charged with the murder of his cousin, Zibuse, who was killed on October 21, 2021. Mzamo is alleged to have paid R130,000 for Zibuse's murder.

In connection with this case, Mzamo is also charged with the murder of Mncedisi Gwala in Umlazi. Gwala is identified as a shooter in Zibuse’s murder, and Mzamo had allegedly paid him to kill Zibuse.

The State alleges that Mzamo learned Gwala had discussed killing Zibuse while Gwala was incarcerated for an unrelated offence. Following Mzamo's payment of Gwala's bail, Gwala was released and subsequently killed.

Ngcobo opposed granting Mzamo bail, arguing that he had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances.

Because this was a Schedule 6 bail application under the Criminal Procedure Act, Ngcobo said the burden rested squarely on Mzamo to provide the court with compelling reasons for his release.

When the defense challenged the strength of the State's case, the prosecutor countered by reminding the court that the proceedings were for a bail application.

Advocate Sibusiso Xulu, Mzamo's representative, argued that his client's prior convictions were irrelevant, except for the two murders — those of Sibusiso Brian Mlaba and Nkosenhle Mkhize. His other convictions include robbery, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and possession of explosives.

Xulu further stated that Mzamo had remained crime-free since his release from prison 18 years ago.

Cape Times