Loyiso Nkohla-Mabandla murder accused wants the court to free him on bail to allow him, among other things to work for his teenage children. Mzubanzi Chulayo(42) applied for bail on Wednesday 24 July at Athlone Magistrate’s Court, Cape Town.

Chulayo’s lawyer Monde Maguga read his client’s affidavit in which the accused denied being involved in murder.

“I submit that I’m not guilty of the charges against me,” part of the affidavit read by Maguga stated.

John Reyneveld representing the state said Chulayo was not a good candidate for bail. The court heard that Chulayo has four previous convictions and a pending case in Cofimvaba Magistrate’s Court.

“The accused’s propensity towards crime is not for petty but serious violent crimes,” advocate John Reyneveld.He added that a warrant of arrest was also issued at Bellville Court last year in June after Chulayo failed to appear in court. The prosecutor said from that background, Chulayo will likely evade justice.

Chulayo who was arrested together with two other suspects had previously abandoned his bail but later changed his mind. His lawyer told the court that Chulayo was one convicted of murder and he attended the court while he was on bail. He said that should count in favour of the accused as the court considers the application.

The bail judgement will be delivered on the 1st of August.

Loyiso’s wife said it was disgusting that Chulayo wanted bail to work for his children yet Loyiso’s children do not have a father anymore.