Cape Town — Mologadi Mehlape (28) and her aunt Mahlodi Mathole, who both stand accused of murdering Department of Education Circuit Manger, Dr. Malekutu Johannes Mehlape (56), were denied bail.
A SAPS statement revealed Mehlape was tragically shot and killed at his residence in Zone 1 in Mankweng on 28 December 2023. The court has denied bail to both applicants as they failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances justifying their release.
“In a related development, Tshepho Ranoto (34), Hlologelo Mogotlane (34), and Sello Molongoane (49), who are accomplices in the same case have abandoned their bail applications. The matter was postponed to 11 April 2024 for further investigation.” Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.
#sapsLIM [UPDATE] Mologadi Mehlape (28) and her aunt Mahlodi Mathole, who stand accused in the murder case of Dr Mehlape, appeared before the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail. The suspects are currently facing charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder… pic.twitter.com/N5sAOLrdux
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) March 1, 2024
All five suspects were arrested separately in Mankweng and Zebediela in connection with the murder and they currently face charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
According to TimesLIVE, prosecutor Max Mathabatha vigorously opposed bail for the two. The other three accused abandoned their applications.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said the deceased’s daughter allegedly opend the gate to let the others into the house.
“It is alleged that the deceased’s daughter conspired with the rest of the accused to have the deceased killed, as a result of family disputes” she said.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
