By REGINALD KANYANE
A murder case against four accused, Arthur Khoza (19), Thato Masetla (22), Junior Modise (21) and Mahlatsi Nkuna (21) who allegedly killed the late North West University (Mafikeng campus) digital marketer and socialite, Sam Mbatha, was postponed by the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court to April 8 2022.
The accused were linked to Mbatha’s gruesome death after intensive investigations led the police to a house in the Phutha section, Klipgat on 21 June 2021. The house was searched and the police found the bloodstains on the floor, under and on top of a bed as well on the carpet.
Furthermore, an axe suspected to have been used during the commission of this crime, was found on top of the roof of the house. The DNA samples positively identified Mbatha who was burnt beyond recognition as the deceased person.
His body was found inside a burnt Hyundai i20 vehicle at a soccer field in Ikageng Section on 10 January 2022.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame said the state is waiting for the Director of Public Prosecution’s decision to transfer the case to the North West High Court.
“The state will await the DPP’s authorisation of transferring the case to the High Court of South Africa; North West Division, owing to the serious nature of the offence committed. The DPP’s office has acknowledged receipt of the application and requested a postponement to finalise the application.
“The four accused were all arrested following an intensive investigation by the police. Meanwhile, Modise is still at large and a warrant for his arrest was issued and bail revoked. Masetlha abandoned his bail application, while Khoza and Nkuna are still out on R500 bail each,” Mamothame said.
He further said the bail conditions are that they must report at the Klipgat Police Station every Wednesday and Sunday between 17h00 and 18h00. Mamothame added that the accused are also barred from interfering with the state’s witnesses.
The Guardian 