The man accused of murdering Thusi Levi Molefi was granted bail of R10 000 in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court today.

Mpho Mafoko is accused that he stabbed Molefi four times with a broken bottle outside the BLK Lounge in Potchindustria during the early hours of September 6. Molefi later died from his injuries in hospital after losing blood from a wound under his left arm.

Mafoko maintains he acted in self-defence, claiming in an affidavit that an altercation began after he greeted friends of the deceased and that Molefi later assaulted him and overpowered him during a fight outside the venue.

Following the incident, Mafoko went to the Ikageng Police Station to open an assault case against Molefi and was arrested there.

Magistrate Charles Eckley granted Mafoko bail on several conditions, including that he must have a serviceable cellphone available 24 hours a day and remain under house arrest at his uncle’s residence in Mohadin.

Eckley emphasised that although the State has a strong case against Mafoko, there was nothing before the court that justified denying him bail.

Mafoko’s defence attorney, Juan Moorcroft, argued that his client was not a flight risk, had stable employment and family ties, and that granting bail was in the interests of justice.

The State strongly opposed the release, pointing to a community petition signed by about 200 people, potential safety risks regarding his new address in Mohadin, and video footage presented by the investigating officer showing the fatal stabbing.

Tensions ran high during the court proceedings, forcing the magistrate to order some family members to leave the courtroom to restore order.

Samuel Makobane (58), the uncle and spokesperson for the victim’s family, expressed disappointment over the decision.
“The people of Ikageng are not responsible for the accused’s safety. We expect justice when we return to court,” said Makobane.

The case has been postponed to September 30 for further investigation.