Mlungisi Thabathe, 28, Andile Nhleko, 27, Mncedisi Mzobe, 27, Siyanda Msweli, 26, Lindani Ndlovu, 22, Malusi Mthembu 27 appeared in the Verulam magistrate’s court on Wednesday.
The seventh accused who is a minor had appeared previously before the court but abandoned his bail application.
The suspects were arrested immediately Mbuthu disappeared after being assaulted for allegedly stealing alcohol from a tavern in Hambanathi in Tongaat, north of Durban.
The tavern was burnt down after the incident with community members seeking justice.
Mbuthu’s body was later found in a river in Tongaat.
The magistrate presiding over this case, Loshni Badal said if the men were granted bail, it would not be in the interest of the community members and the burnt tavern was a clear indication that their lives could be in danger if released.
The six men are currently remanded in Westville Prison and the matter will be back in court on August 17.
