The three men accused of the deadly Jumpers informal settlement mass shooting denied involvement in the crime and illegal mining, claiming they were wrongly linked to the massacre, according to court records and defense statements. Molebeli Eliot Mosia, Ramonne Jeremiar Tsibela Maikutlo, and Zipho Michael Mofero Metsing appeared in Joburg Magistrate’s Court on 9 July, where their bail application was postponed to 17 July. Their defense advocate, Phumudzo Sadiki, stated the men are street recyclers, not illegal miners, and alleged they were targeted due to their Basotho heritage.
The accused face 13 murder charges and 14 attempted murder counts tied to the 9 June shooting in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg, which left 13 people dead. Sadiki claimed the men were assaulted and pressured to sign confessions, which they later denied understanding. He also stated no evidence was found on them during their arrest, which occurred at 2 a.m. in Alexandra. The defense plans to challenge the confessions, with the investigating officer set to testify on 17 July.
Denial of Involvement and Claims of Misidentification
Sadiki argued the men were misidentified due to a broader conflict involving Basotho individuals in illegal mining. “They are indicating that they are being punished because it’s alleged that there is a fight between the Basothos who are doing illegal mining, and my clients are not doing illegal mining, they are doing recycling,” he said. Jumpers residents, however, have demanded justice, with community members outside court calling for no bail for the accused.
The defense also emphasized the accused’s ties to South Africa, noting they have verified addresses and spouses living in the country. Sadiki described them as “not flight risks,” despite being foreign nationals. The State is expected to oppose their bail application, with proceedings set for 17 July.
Context and Legal Implications
The 13 victims’ families and residents of Jumpers continue to seek accountability.
The accused’s next court appearance on 17 July could determine whether they remain in custody or are released on bail.
What May Happen Next
If denied, the men could remain in custody until trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
[What are the charges against the three men?] The accused face 13 counts of murder and 14 counts of attempted murder related to the 9 June Jumpers mass shooting. One defendant, Zipho Michael Mofero Metsing, also faces a charge of possession of ammunition.
[Why was the bail application postponed?] The bail application was postponed to 17 July for the bail application and further proceedings, with the investigating officer expected to take the stand to explain how the statements were obtained.
[What are the defense’s main arguments?] The defense claims the men are not involved in illegal mining, were wrongly linked to the shooting due to their Basotho heritage, and were assaulted and pressured to sign confessions they did not understand. They also argue they are not flight risks due to verified South African addresses and family ties.