The accused are Zondi Ntando (36), Siphoshile Xulu (22), Mpendulo Nyembe (27) and Sphesihle Mbambo (24). (Photo: Isabel Venter/Maroela Media)
The four suspects involved in the murder of Braam Krüger, a well-known paramedic from Pretoria, may also be connected to other serious crimes in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, sitting in the Kgosi Mampuru II prison, heard during the four’s bail application on Wednesday that two witnesses definitely identified the men as the last people who saw Krüger alive shortly before the Easter weekend.
The accused are Zondi Ntando (36), Siphoshile Xulu (22), Mpendulo Nyembe (27) and Sphesihle Mbambo (24).
All four argue in affidavits that it is in the interest of justice that they be released on bail. They also testified under oath that none have pending cases, outstanding warrants, previous convictions or protection orders.
The murdered Braam Krüger. (Photo: Braam Krüger / Facebook).
Sgt. However, Daniel Caba, the investigating officer, testified that the four are persons of interest in a separate kidnapping case in KwaZulu-Natal in which a professor was apparently forced to pay money to his captors.
According to Caba, a warrant has already been issued for Ntando’s arrest in that case, while a second case in Rosebank, Johannesburg, is also being investigated. The accused apparently had a modus operandi similar to that of the KwaZulu-Natal case, although their involvement has yet to be confirmed.
Ntando also has two pending cases in Alexandra and Umlazi and, according to Caba, has failed to appear in court. He is facing charges related to the violation of the Firearms Act, as well as robbery and kidnapping. Caba has yet to confirm whether these cases, which date from 2025, are ongoing.
The other three defendants were not involved in these or other cases.
Murder carried out together
The state argues that the four acted with a common goal to kill Krüger and that the onus therefore rests on them to prove extraordinary reasons for bail. All four are on trial on charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances after a mobile phone and cash were apparently stolen during the incident.
The accused argued that they were unemployed but earned income from informal work and did not have the financial capacity to flee. They also say they live and work in KwaZulu-Natal, and plan to plead not guilty.
All four suspects claim in sworn statements that it is in the interest of justice that they be released on bail. (Photo: Isabel Venter/Maroela Media)
Ntando argued that although he is unemployed, he has an informal business with which he supports his immediate family. Nyembe testified that he finds himself in the same boat, but that he keeps the pot boiling by installing security cameras.
Mbambo, in turn, confirmed that he does piecework, while Xulu works for a construction company.
All four said they live and work in KwaZulu-Natal and do not have the financial ability to flee. In addition, they also made use of their right to remain silent, but indicated that they would plead not guilty in a trial.
“Nor does the state have any substantial evidence to prove the contrary that it would not be in the interest of justice to be granted bail,” the statements read.
Xulu and Nyembe testified that their arrests did not significantly shock the community that it might lead to public unrest.
However, Caba testified that there is a substantial flight risk given the seriousness of the charges.
Footage key to investigation
Caba testified that he traced Ntando through a telephone number used to book e-taxi to and from a guest house in Brooklyn, Pretoria.
Krüger’s body was discovered by cleaners on Good Friday, tied to a bed.
According to the state, Ntando arranged by phone with Krüger the day before to meet him at the guest house. The accused arrived on Thursday around 17:00, booked three rooms and paid R2 000 in cash. A fifth suspect is still being sought, the investigating officer told the court.
Krüger arrived about 20 minutes later and reported to reception before being taken to the room by Ntando.
“There are no cameras in the rooms, so we don’t know what happened inside,” Caba testified.
The five men later left the premises under the pretense of going to buy food, but never returned.
Mobile phone data and e-taxi records led the police to Protea Glen in Soweto and finally to KwaZulu-Natal. The four accused were tracked down again in Protea Glen on 10 April and arrested.
The bail application continues.