Picture: The accused, Tshwaro Mangwegape/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A local businessman and owner of Meat Brothers Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41) has abandoned his bail application. Mangwegape, who is facing a murder and attempted murder case, briefly appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court, where he was expected to make a formal bail application.
It is alleged that Magwegape shot and killed the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injured his childhood friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33) during a commotion at the Meat Brothers Pub on 16 December 2023. Mdi and Kokwe were amongst patrons who visited The Meat Brothers Pub that was fully packed.
It is alleged that the security guards refused entry to patrons who did not have Identification Documents (IDs) and that led to a stampede. Mdi and Kokowe allegedly tried to gain entry forcefully and that allegedly prompted Mangwegape to pull out a gun and shoot at them.
Mdi was fatally shot, while his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds.
Mangwegape’s attorney, Isang Nakale from Isang Nakale Attorneys, informed the court that his client has decided to abandon bail application until the deceased has been buried. The case was postponed to 27 December 2023 for bail profiling and possible bail application.
Magistrate Thataotsile Matolong has recused himself from the case. Matolong said this case has ‘drawn a lot of attention’ and raised concerns, especially on various social media platforms.
“I would like to recuse myself from this case to ensure that justice prevails. This case has raised various concerns, especially on social media platforms. So, to ensure that our people still have trust in the justice system, we will allow the magistrate who resides outside Taung to preside over the case.
“I would also encourage the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and South Africa Police Service (SAPS) to appoint personnels who work outside Taung to deal with this matter,” he said.
Mdi’s family spokesperson, Mpho Skweit said the death of Mdi has left the family devastated. Skweit further said Mdi was still young and they expected a lot from him.
“His life has been cut short in a very barbaric manner. As a family, we are not taking it lightly and we are very angry. This thing of the magistrate and investigating officer recusing themselves from the case came from us as a family.
“They are not just doing it because they wanted to. We have put a lot of pressure and ensured that, ultimately we get justice. Actually, there is no justice because this court is rotten to the core. We are going to make sure that we root out all those elements of corruption,” he said.
Skweit added that they will ensure that people are served fairly and the wheel of justice is turning.
“Remember, I was born and bred here and at some point, I was a leader here too. I know what is happening here and know that, the accused will be given special treatment. They have let him have his cell phone, while in police custody.
“So, we do not want any local magistrate, prosecutor and investigating officer in this case because we are not going to get justice,” said Skweit.
The Guardian 