A BOMB care at the Mbombela Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday put an abrupt end to the bail hearing of double murder-accused Mandla Msibi.
The 45-year-old axed Mpumalanga agriculture MEC was arrested on Monday after he handed himself over to the police.
Msibi, who faces two murder charges and one attempted murder charge related to a shooting in August at a Mbombela braai spot, was axed as MEC on Tuesday.
Msibi has now been fired as an MEC and the ANC has taken a decision that he must step aside from all his positions in the party.
Outside the court in Nelspruit, Msibi’s supporters wearing ANC T-shirts were vociferous in their demands for his release on bail, saying his arrest was politically motivated.
Msibi, a strong political figure in Mpumalanga, was arrested this week on allegations of murder and attempted murder.
He was the elections manager in the province, meaning he was not only the face of electioneering but also an organiser for the governing party.
If the bail hearing fails to resume, Msibi will spend a third night behind bars.
Police said they had called in the bomb squad to sweep the court building.
