TerreBlanche murder accused Zimbabwean?
Police cannot find birth records of Chris Mahlangu, the man who stands accused of killing AWB leader Eugene TerreBlanche, and claims to be South African. Both his parents are Zimbabwean and his real name, according to his paternal uncle, is Chris Rhangani.
Under cross examination by defence lawyer Puna Moroko in the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court, investigating officer Captain Tsietsi Mano said he had tried to find proof that Mahlangu was born in South Africa, but could not find any Mahlangu with his date of birth on the birth register at the department of home affairs
Mano says Mahlangu’s uncle told police that he, Mahlangu, and his father were all from Zimbabwe. Mahlangu, who does not have a passport or identity document, says his papers were burnt in a shack fire. The uncle (Mahlangu’s father’s brother) says his real name is Chris Rhangani.
“Origin, citizenship is under doubt,” says Mano.
He says the State does not want 27-year-old Chris Mahlangu to be released on bail pending his trial in September, because it has not been able to prove that he is who he claims to be. Mano says he is also concerned that Mahlangu would disappear if he is released.
“Even if bail was set with conditions, I am of the opinion that the accused will never stand trial. He is aware of the seriousness of the crime,” says Mano.
He also says the security of the country could be at risk if Mahlangu is released. “The security of the country was only saved by the president who went on national TV to call for calm [after the murder].” Mano further believes that Mahlangu himself will not be safe if he is released.
Mahlangu listened to this with folded arms, looking straight at Mano who argued against his release. Mano says it will be very difficult for the TerreBlanche family if Mahlangu is released. “The family of the deceased … his spouse and daughter, they cannot even stand passing through this court because of the state of their emotions,” Mano says.
Terre’Blanche was beaten and stabbed 28 times on Easter Saturday in his bed on his farm. Times Live
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