Overview
- Mozambican national Armando (Armindo) Pacula, arrested on 30 January, faces charges of premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and contravening the Immigration Act.
- Pacula dropped his bid for bail after his second court appearance, and his lawyer said he may consider a plea agreement that has not yet been finalised.
- He raised fears for his safety in custody at Johannesburg Correctional Centre, and prosecutor Vincent Mochabela confirmed plans for a transfer to Modderbee in Benoni.
- Prosecutors link the killing to a dispute at Zambezi Flats following Stock’s security company being appointed to install a biometric access system, with the alleged hit reportedly worth R25,000 and Pacula said to have received R7,000.
- Police reported recovering dreadlocks and a bag allegedly used to conceal the gun, though the firearm remains missing; alleged orchestrator Victor Mthethwa Majola was previously denied bail, and both accused are due in court together on 11 February.