Key Takeaways
- Victor Majola’s bail application judgment has been postponed to January 26
- New evidence, including video footage, has been submitted by Majola’s attorney, Dumisani Mabunda
- The video footage allegedly shows that Majola could not have been at the scene of the crime
- The state prosecutor objects to the new evidence, arguing that it should have been presented earlier
- The case involves the murder of DJ Warras, whose real name was Warrick Stock, on December 16 in the Joburg CBD
Introduction to the Case
The case of Victor Majola, accused of murdering DJ Warras, has taken a new turn with the submission of new evidence, including video footage, by Majola’s attorney, Dumisani Mabunda. The 44-year-old man appeared in the Joburg Magistrates Court on January 16, where Mabunda requested to reopen the bail application to present the new evidence. The video footage, which is currently trending on social media, allegedly shows that Majola could not have been at the scene of the crime. DJ Warras, whose real name was Warrick Stock, was shot and killed on December 16 in the Joburg CBD, and Majola was arrested on December 22.
The Bail Application
The bail application has been a contentious issue, with the state prosecutor, Vincent Mochabela, objecting to the new evidence. Mochabela argued that Mabunda should have presented all the evidence before applying for bail, and that the new evidence should not be considered at this stage. However, Mabunda argued that it was his right to reopen the application as long as judgment had not yet been passed. Magistrate A Tlhapi granted the application, allowing Mabunda to present the new evidence, including the video footage and zoomed-in photos of the alleged shooters.
The New Evidence
The video footage, which was shown in court, allegedly shows that Majola was not at the scene of the crime. Mabunda stated that the people in the video are the same individuals Majola was questioned about when he was arrested, and that Majola had stated he did not know them. The magistrate accepted the evidence, and Mabunda argued that the video footage proves Majola’s alibi, as it shows him in Soweto at the time of the murder. However, the state prosecutor argued that the video footage submitted to the court was not the same one that the state had, and that the state’s footage shows three people, including Majola, at the scene of the crime.
The State’s Objection
The state prosecutor objected to the new evidence, arguing that it was an attempt to delay the proceedings and that the defence should have presented all the evidence before applying for bail. Mochabela also argued that the video footage was not reliable, as it may have been tampered with or amended. The magistrate, however, allowed the defence to present the evidence, stating that it was their right to do so. The state prosecutor also argued that bail should not be granted, as the case involves a Schedule 6 offence, which includes charges of murder and premeditated murder.
The Next Steps
The case has been postponed to January 26, when the magistrate will deliver her judgment on the bail application. The outcome of the application will determine whether Majola will be granted bail or remain in custody until the trial. The case has sparked widespread interest, and the submission of new evidence has added a new twist to the proceedings. The defence and the prosecution will have to present their arguments and evidence in court, and the magistrate will have to weigh the evidence and make a decision on the bail application. The case is expected to continue, with the trial likely to be a lengthy and complex process.