Galadla trial hears of crime scene, vehicle sale
According to court records, Galadla allegedly lured women to open fields, where they were murdered and their bodies set alight.
Mandlankosi Galadla’s trial resumed in the Kempton Park Regional Court on January 29.
Galadla faces several charges, including murder, kidnapping, rape and aggravated robbery, linked to an alleged two-year crime spree in Kempton Park between 2020 and his arrest on October 28, 2022.
According to court records, he allegedly lured women to open fields, where he murdered them and set their bodies alight. The known victims were aged between 19 and 40.
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In 2009, Galadla received 35 years’ imprisonment for murder and rape, but was later released after appealing his conviction.
During proceedings on January 22, prosecutor Sibongile Nxumalo called Sergeant Thandazile Chabalala to testify, who told the court that she reported for duty at 05:45 on July 25, 2020, and was toldd that Vispol members were attending a crime scene in Thembisa, Mqantsha, near the railway line.
On arrival, she was shown a lifeless female body. Paramedics confirmed the woman was deceased and had been strangled, with marks on her neck.
Chabalala testified that a photographer was called to the scene, took photographs, and evidence was collected and placed into forensic bags.
She added that the deceased could not be identified at the scene, although fingerprints were taken.
The court also heard from the boyfriend of Matsieng Mokoena, who asked not to be identified.
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He told the court he last communicated with his girlfriend via WhatsApp on July 25, 2020, until 01:30 the following morning.
He became concerned when her phone later rang unanswered before going to voicemail. He learnt of her death on July 27, after receiving a call from a woman, followed by a call from the deceased’s mother.
He denied any involvement in Mokoena’s death.
Testimony was also heard from a workshop owner, identified as Joshua, who told the court that Galadla had visited his workshop on July 24, 2020, with a man identified as Stanly and his daughter.
The group sold a Polo for R20 000.
Joshua said Galadla counted the money before handing it to Stanly. He said Stanly seemed ill and struggled to speak.
The matter was postponed to March 12 and 18 for further hearing.
