By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Judgment in the bail application of axed Agriculture MEC Mandla Msibi and his co-accused has been reserved until next week Tuesday in the Nelspruit Magistrates Court.
Msibi and two others have been charged with the murder of two people and the attempted murder of a third person in August.
After hearing weeklong arguments in the trio’s bail application, magistrate Suzan Monaledi reserved judgment.
Msibi and his co-accused will remain in police custody.
Defence Advocate Coert Jordaan was giving closing arguments in the bail application of Msibi and two co-accused.
Jordaan said the state did not indicate its intention to oppose bail from the onset until the investigating officer testified.
He added that the officer also failed to execute his duties because he effected arrest seven weeks after the incident occurred.
Jordaan said the allegations against the accused have no substance.
Msibi was fired from the provincial government executive and as ANC elections head in the province on Tuesday.
Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane said this was in line with the ANC’s step-aside rule.