Once legal representation disputes are settled, the infamous Grindr 7 will receive a trial date.
The Grindr 7 case was remanded again on August 12 to settle disputes regarding the legal representation of three of the accused. This comes after a spate of appearances and postponements to address the same issue since March 2024 in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court.
The seven accused, Sanele Ndlovu, 26, Vikani Khanyeza, 28, Sohollo Khumalo, 26, Sphamandla Mavundla, 33, Lungisani Shabalala, 33, Thulani Mazibuko, 23, and Khayelihle Zulu, 24, were arrested in late 2023 for the alleged kidnapping of a Wits University student using the LGBTQI+ dating app, Grindr.
Further charges were brought against the men for extortion and attempted murder as the state alleges that upon kidnapping the victim, the men held him for ransom of R30 000.
The case had previously been postponed on July 11, 2024, so that the state and the attorney for Ndlovu, Khanyeza and Khumalo could settle internal disputes regarding certain submissions made by the defense to the state.
According to the defense, these submissions were not addressed by the state, therefore the matter cannot proceed, yet the state refutes this, claiming they require written proof that these submissions were made in the first place.
Though these disputes linger, Magistrate Simon Radasi confirmed the trial readiness of all the parties. This means that all evidence has been submitted, and all witnesses have been listed and confirmed. Regardless, Magistrate Radasi irritation was clear. “My role is to sit here and listen to evidence. If this [dispute] is not settled within the next two weeks, I will hold an inquest. If [the inquest determines] the delay is unreasonable, it will go for trial.”
Many members of LGBTQI+ advocacy group, Parents, Families and Friends of South African Queers (PFSAQ) were in attendance, filling almost half of the public seating available.
They expressed the belief that the defense is employing delay tactics to avoid trial. “What we are happy about is that the magistrate is saying, ‘whether representation or no representation, the case will proceed to trial’,” says PFSAQ member Virginia Magwaza.
As bail was refused for all the accused, they will remain in custody and appear on August 29, 2024, to assess whether the dispute has been resolved and the case can proceed to trial.
FEATURED IMAGE: The Grindr 7 being informed of the proceedings by Magistrate Radasi. Photo: Thato Gololo
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