A bomb scare at the Mbombela [Nelspruit] Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday put an abrupt end to the bail hearing of double murder-accused Mandla Msibi.
The 45-year-old axed Mpumalanga agriculture MEC was arrested on Monday after he handed himself over to the police.
Msibi, who faces two murder charges and one attempted murder charge related to a shooting in August at a Mbombela braai spot, was axed as MEC on Tuesday.
The African National Congress (ANC) in the province enforced the party’s step aside rule applicable to members accused of serious crimes.
Outside the court, Msibi’s supporters wearing ANC T-shirts were vociferous in their demands for his release on bail. However, Magistrate Suzan Monaledi stopped proceedings citing a bomb scare.
If the bail hearing fails to resume, Msibi will spend a third night behind bars.
Police said they had called in the bomb squad to sweep the court building.
