Charges against one of Bontle Mashiyane’s alleged killers, Samuel Mangebeletane, have been provisionally withdrawn due to insufficient evidence, and an indictment has been served on the four remaining accused.

In April 2022, the six-year-old girl Bontle was reported missing. Her mutilated body was found a few metres from her home in Mganduzweni outside White River in Mpumalanga.

According to the provincial spokesperson for the NPA, Monica Nyuswa, the five accused: Ntombikayise Ngwenyama, Collen Hlongwane, Thapelo Ngomane, Samuel Mangebeletane and Philasande Tsela appeared in KaBokweni Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

They faced charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, kidnapping and defeating the administration of justice.

During their appearance, the charges against accused number 4 Mangebeletane were provisionally withdrawn, and the four remaining accused were served indictments. The matter was postponed to October 6 for the high court date.