THREE men accused of killing Dhir Singh and his partner Kallawathie Beekarie in their farmhouse in Verulam have claimed they were assaulted and coerced into pleading guilty.
Thobelane Mangele, 20, Siyabonga Nhlengethwa, 30, and Bonginkosi Mkhize, 30, were charged with housebreaking with the intention to rob, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and murder.
It is alleged that in September 2018 they broke into 68-year-old Singh’s farmhouse where the couple were assaulted and stabbed with a spear. A Toyota Conquest, two cellphones, a television, DVD player and other household items were stolen.
During their first court appearance in September 2018, the accused pleaded not guilty. Their trial started in the Durban High Court last week.
During the trial, they said they were not properly informed of their rights during their arrests and…
