Chivago murder: Trial postponed to 2027

Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The trial against the three men accused of the 2024 murder of Ext 13 resident Chivago Leigh Fillies (31), which was set to start today, 12 October, was instead postponed to next June due to some non-functioning recording equipment.

Aubrey-Junior Nickleo Mentoor, Jemandry Braaff and Ushere Apdol appeared in the Mossel Bay Regional Court before Magistrate Jerome Koeries. Both the state prosecutor and the defence were ready to proceed with the trial. All the witnesses in the matter were also present.

However, Koeries said the recording devices in both regional courtrooms were not in working order, and so the trial could not commence. He said this was unfortunate, but out of his hands.

The trial was postponed to 9 and 10 June, to which the friends and family of both the accused and the victim were audibly shocked.

The three accused allegedly severely beat Fillies in the early hours of 29 June 2024. He died of his injuries in hospital the following day.

The three suspects were arrested. Apdol and Braaff were granted bail of R2 000 each on 4 July, and Mentoor the same amount on 8 July.

Koeries said bail would be extended until the trial next year.

Fillies’ older brother and sister, Fergus and Michaela, said they felt the justice system was failing Chivago and the family.

“It feels like this matter is not being taken seriously, because every time we come to court, we get another postponement date,” said Fergus.

“My mother and I cannot handle this any more,” said Michaela. “My mum is sick and must deal with this. This is not right. He was my baby brother, and it will have been three years since his murder when the trial is heard next year.”

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