By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A murder case against four accused, Junior Modise (21), Arthur Khoza (19), Thato Masetla (22), and Mahlatsi Nkuna (21) was deferred to the North West High Court by the Ga-Rankuwa Regional Court.
Modise, Khoza, Masetla, and Nkuna are linked to the gruesome death of the late North West University (Mafikeng campus) digital marketer and socialite, Sam Junior Mbatha (24). Mbatha was reported missing a few days before the police made a grim discovery of his charred remains in his burned Hyundai i20 vehicle near a soccer field in Ikageng Section, Klipgat.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said all inquiries relating to the investigation have been completed and the state advocate, Nangamso Goloda has completed compiling the indictment and is ready to proceed with pre-trial when the matter goes to the high court.
“Meanwhile, Modise who allegedly missed his court date and his bail was revoked, was granted free bail and warned to be present in court on the next appearance. A bail hearing against Masetla, who initially abandoned it was set for 7 July 2022.
“Khoza and Nkuna are still out on R500 bail each and their bail conditions are that they must report to the Klipgat Police Station every Wednesday and Sunday between 17h00 and 18h00. They are also barred from interfering with the state’s witnesses,” Mamothame said.
He said the accused were positively linked to Mbatha’s murder after the police investigations led them to a house in Phutha Section, Klipgat where they found bloodstains on the floor, under and on top of a bed as well on the carpet. Mamothame further said an axe suspected to have been used during the commission of the crime was also found on top of the roof of the house.
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