A Cape Town court has acquitted Yanga ‘Bara’ Nyalara and his co-accused, Wanda Tofile, of mass murder charges related to a 2021 shooting that left 12 people dead.
Story Summary:
- Yanga ‘Bara’ Nyalara and Wanda Tofile were acquitted of mass murder charges due to unreliable witness testimony.
- The acquittal was granted under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act after the court found the evidence inconsistent and unreliable.
- Despite the acquittal, both Nyalara and Tofile remain in custody for other serious crimes, including gang-related murders and drug dealing.
Cape Town court throws out Yanga ‘Bara’ Nyalara mass murder charges
In a dramatic twist, Nyalara, one of Cape Town’s most notorious alleged gang leaders, was acquitted of mass murder charges by the Goodwood Prison Court on Tuesday, per reports from Daily Maverick.
The charges stemmed from a brutal shooting on 15 May 2021, which resulted in the deaths of 12 people.
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However, the court ruled that the testimony of ‘Mr Z’, the sole surviving witness, was filled with inconsistencies and contradictions, making it impossible to secure a conviction.
The court’s decision to throw out the charges has sparked controversy, especially given the gravity of the crime.
Mr Z’s credibility was severely undermined during the trial, and the defence successfully argued for an acquittal under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which allows for discharge if the court believes there is insufficient evidence to convict.
This ruling means that no one will be held accountable for the mass shooting, a development that has shocked many in the community.
Following the acquittal, Nyalara made a cryptic Facebook post, suggesting that he might soon be released on bail for his remaining charges.
“Buy rat traps, the cat is coming,” he wrote, hinting at his potential release.
Nyalara’s notoriety and ongoing legal troubles
Nyalara has been a central figure in Cape Town’s gang landscape for years.
Despite his acquittal in this case, Nyalara remains behind bars, facing multiple other charges.
These include six gang-related murders, attempted murder, business robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms, and drug dealing.
His criminal activities span several years and have allegedly resulted in numerous deaths, particularly in Khayelitsha.
Nyalara’s influence and feared reputation were highlighted during his capture in 2022 after a six-year manhunt.
He was arrested in Bothasig, Cape Town, with a substantial amount of drugs found in his possession.
Despite his criminal charges, Nyalara has a strong following in some communities, where he is seen as a community leader rather than a criminal mastermind.
