Murder suspect case postponed
The bail hearing of a man accused of killing a young mother in Mamelodi was postponed.
The bail hearing of a man accused of killing a young mother in the Mahube extension in Mamelodi was postponed.
The 30-year-old suspect from Mamelodi East made his first appearance in the local magistrate’s court on charges of murder and possession of drugs on Wednesday.
The case was postponed to July 8.
The man was arrested by the police after they found the lifeless body of Sibongile (Smomoza) Mataboge (23) in his home, lying on the floor in a pool of blood on June 17.
Police were following up on information about drugs when they made the arrest, according to police spokesperson Captain Johannes Maheso.
“When they arrived, they found a suspect who was very nervous, frightened and looked suspicious,” said Maheso.
“The police searched his room and found drugs, money and the woman’s body.”
Maheso said the deceased was certified dead by paramedics who were part of the operation. She was later identified by her parents.
“It was discovered that the deceased was the suspect’s girlfriend.”
The officers had to force their way into her partner’s house where she was also staying.
Circumstances surrounding her death remained unclear.
Smomoza’s father, Tebogo Mataboge (47), said the family was devastated by their daughter’s death.
He pleaded with the justice system to make an example out of whoever murdered her.
Themba Masango of #Notinmyname said the organisation condemned the senseless killing of the young woman.
“We call on the courts not to grant bail to the alleged perpetrator,” Masango said.
“Furthermore, we want the courts to hand down the harshest sentence possible.”
Mother of a two-year-old boy, Smomoza was laid to rest on Saturday at the Mamelodi West cemetery.
Community members are reportedly signing a petition to stop the court from granting the suspect bail on July 8.
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