The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court in Gauteng has granted bail of R80 000 each to Emmanuel Neverdie Mkhabela (47), a Protocol Manager attached to the Office of the Premier in Mpumalanga, and Eckson Jabulani Mkhonto (53), a Vetting Officer also attached to the Office of the Premier in Mpumalanga.

The accused are facing charges of premeditated murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

According to Tshegofatso Makhudu, the NPA’s Communications Officer, the charges relate to the murder of Mabidi Mashaba, a Forensic Investigator employed by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government.

It is alleged that on 07 September 2023, the deceased was travelling from Mpumalanga to his residence in Pretoria. While driving along Hardy Muller Circle in Villieria, Pretoria, a vehicle allegedly occupied by the two accused pulled alongside the deceased’s vehicle, and multiple shots were fired before the suspects fled the scene.

“Following the shooting, the deceased reportedly managed to stop his vehicle and contacted his supervisor, informing them that the two accused had shot at him. He was later found by security personnel in the area and transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

“Following extensive police investigations, Mkhonto was arrested at a guesthouse in Mpumalanga, while Mkhabela handed himself over to the Villieria Police Station,” Makhudu said.

Makhudu said during the bail proceedings, the State opposed the release of both accused, arguing that they are facing serious Schedule 6 offences, that the murder was premeditated, and that, if released on bail, they could interfere with State witnesses who are known to them.

“Prosecutor Chris Maruma further submitted that Mkhonto is in possession of two identity documents and that Mkhabela poses a flight risk as he regularly travels outside the country.

“The court, however, found that it was in the interests of justice to release both accused on bail of R80 000 each, subject to conditions, including that they must not directly or indirectly contact any State witnesses,” said Makhudu

The matter was postponed to 06 August 2026, for a High Court trial date.