Stilbaai murder accused in George High Court

Update

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The court case against the five men accused of a murder that took place on a farm outside Still Bay in 2018 is currently underway in the George Circuit High Court, with the latest session yesterday morning, Wednesday 22 September. The state had closed its case the day before.

Sakhumzi Benya, Nkoshihethu Nocuza, Msomi Nikani, Monwabisi Maki and Xolusani Myoyi are accused of murdering Heila Kilian (63) during a visit to the farm Gazania in April 2018 while she was braaiing with her sister Brenda and brother-in-law David Thomas.

Five armed suspects opened fire on them. One of the bullets hit Kilian and she died on the scene.

Although court was scheduled for the first suspect to start his testimony on Wednesday morning, the legal representative of accused number five, Xolusani Myoyi, brought an application of discharge on behalf of his client, saying there was not enough evidence to keep Myoyi in custody.

The suspects have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. Photo: Cornelle Carstens

The state opposed the application saying that Myoyi could well be the one who fired the shot that killed Kilian.

Judge Lister Nuku postponed proceedings to this morning, Thursday 23 September, for his decision on the matter.

The accused, who were arrested in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town shortly after the murder on Kilian, face charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, the unlawful possession of a firearm and the unlawful possession of ammunition. They have all pleaded not guilty on all charges against them.

They allegedly ransacked the house and fled in a white Toyota Hilux bakkie that belonged to the Thomases, taking an undisclosed amount of cash and firearms.

Kilian was shot through the heart. Her family members were tied up and beaten during an ordeal that lasted for up to two hours.

Four of the accused following the fifth after court proceedings on Wednesday morning. Photo: Kristy Kolberg

The trial continues and is on the court roll until 1 October.

Kilian was the mother of Zane Kilian, an accused in the murder of top Cape Town detective, Lieutenant-Colonel Charl Kinnear (52), who was gunned down in front of his Bishop Lavis home on Friday 18 September 2020.

The five accused leaving court after proceedings on Wednesday morning. Photo: Kristy Kolberg