Alleged hacking scam ringleader denied bail

Two state witnesses in a separate case in Pietermaritzburg, in which Mduduzi Mkhize (39) is also implicated, have been assassinated. As a result, notes the report, that trial, which involved the theft of R1.8m from the SA Social Security Agency offices in October 2007, has stalled for almost six years. Mkhize was applying for bail in the Port Elizabeth Commercial Crimes Court on Monday. The report says he is accused with former Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University student Lungisa Kosi (38), Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality acting head of staff Kholeka Ngqondi, her husband Khayalethu, Nonhlanhla Mazibuko, Mandisi Busakwe and Phumla Ntonzi of hacking into the Bay municipality's database in August 2009 to steal close to R20m. While eight of the accused have already been released on stringent bail conditions, the state was opposing bail for Mkhize and Kosi. Full report in The Herald (subscription needed)