The trial of three youths and a minor alleged to have murdered Mozambican national Emmanuel Sithole was set to start in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Mthinta Bhengu, Sizwe Mngomezulu, Sifundi Mzimzela and the minor were alleged to have stabbed Sithole in the streets of Alexandra on April 18.

It was believed that they had taken cigarettes from the street vendor without paying.

They allegedly attacked and killed Sithole when he demanded payment.

Bhengu had earlier indicated through his lawyer that he wanted to enter into a plea bargain.

Their last appearance at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court was held in camera because of the presence of the minor. News24