Durban – Three men accused of killing an ANC branch leader appeared briefly in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

The case against Bongukwanda Excellent Gasa, Sipho Innocent Sikhakhane, and Skhulu Phiwayinkosi Gasa was postponed to 13 August.

They had been expected to bring a formal bail application, but defence attorney Laurens de Klerk asked for a postponement because the State was not satisfied with their residential addresses.

“We were given addresses in the Nkandla area, but those addresses are not appropriate for the State. We still need to verify addresses the defence will give to us,” said prosecutor Blackie Swart.

De Klerk said he would put forward an address for a safe house which could be easily monitored and was close to a police station should the court grant the men bail.

They are accused of killing Sithembiso Ngidi, an executive member of the African National Congress ward 75, Jacobs area branch.

Ngidi was shot dead on 23 June after taking part in a door-to-door election campaign in Lamontville, south of Durban.

The three were arrested on 2 July on murder charges.

The courtroom was filled to capacity on Friday with members of the Inkatha Freedom Party and the ANC.

– SAPA