A Mamelodi man accused of having shot dead an eight-year-old girl earlier this month denied guilt in the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Frans Kanyane (54) pleaded not guilty on charges of murder, attempted murder and kidnapping. He was arrested after the death of Nthabiseng Ramoroka in Phomolong Informal Settlement in Mamelodi East.
Kanyane was fighting with his wife over sex when she fled to a neighbour’s house. He followed her and shots were fired as the argument continued. One of them allegedly hit and killed Nthabiseng Ramoroka.
Kanyane told the magistrate on Wednesday: “I did not pull the trigger. The gun went off while I was wrestling with my wife for the firearm.”
Requesting the court to grant him bail, he added: “I have no reason to run away from the case or to interfere with witnesses. I have children I am taking care of, aged between four and 15 years old. I am employed and I am earning R5 000 per month. I can only afford to pay bail of R3 000.”
Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Bogoshi said Kanyane should not be granted bail as he had a history of violence against his wife – even though he had no previous conviction.
“The suspect’s intention was to shoot and kill his wife. He saw an opportunity to shoot and kill his wife. Unfortunately he missed and killed the child who was in the other room,” said Bogosha.
“If granted bail, he will try and finish what he has started and I plead with the court not to give him bail. The community nearly took the law into their own hands after he committed the crime. He would therefore not be safe should he be granted bail.”
Proceedings resumed at 14:00.
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