Mozambican national Emmanuel Sithole, who was murdered in Alexandra, was not using a fake name, his family said on Monday.

His name was Emmanuel Josias Sithole, his sister Thando told News24 outside the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, where four men appeared for her brother’s murder.

Speaking at a Freedom Day celebration last week, President Jacob Zuma said Sithole had used an alias while he lived in South Africa.

Thando Sithole said: “The thing is my brother was killed. Jacob Zuma was supposed to focus on those people to get into jail. Surnames and what, he was supposed to ask the family before telling the public.”

She said she did not know if her brother was in South Africa legally, but his passport was used to obtain his death certificate.

Bail application abandoned

Earlier, Ayanda Sibiya, Bhengu Mthinta, Sizwe Mngomezulu, and Sifundi Mzimela appeared in the dock on charges of murder and robbery. They abandoned their bail applications.

Vinesh Ramlakan, for Mthinta and Sibiya, said they might enter into a plea bargain with the State.

Vhonani Matshidza, for Mngomezulu and Mizemala, said his clients might plead not guilty.

The four would remain in custody until their next appearance on May 13.

The accused, all in their 20s, allegedly stole cigarettes from Sithole, a vendor, and attacked him when he confronted them on Saturday, April 18.

Josias’s death occurred during a wave of xenophobic attacks in April. It started in townships around Durban and spread to Gauteng.

At least seven people, including three South Africans and Josias, were killed. Scores were injured and displaced. News24