Pastor Denied Bail in Shocking Murder Case

GQEBERHA- A 39-year-old pastor, Sonwabo Nqayi, has been denied bail in a local court after being accused of murdering a 12-year-old girl from Motherwell in Gqeberha.

The tragic discovery of Lithaliyanda Ntini’s charred body in an open field last month has left the community in shock.

During the bail hearing, Nqayi, who has been a pastor at the Holy Fire Burning Ministries for eight years and is a father of three, insisted, “I will not undermine the criminal justice system.”

He claimed he would not interfere with witnesses or evade his trial.

However, Magistrate Luvuyo Solven stated that evidence presented in court suggested the murder was premeditated.

He noted, “You assured the court that there is no malice between you and the victim’s family, who are your in-laws.” Yet, when cross-examined about the charges, Nqayi chose not to comment.

Magistrate Solven concluded that Nqayi did not meet the burden of proof needed for bail and confirmed, “The state has a prima facie case against you.”

The case has been postponed until August 28 for further investigation.

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