‘Sins of parents’ double murder case postponed
The accused appeared at the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court on February 26, where the matter was adjourned to allow the defendant to secure legal representation.
The case of a 39-year-old foreign national facing two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and two counts of arson has been postponed to March 7.
The foreign national may not be identified yet.
This comes after the accused appeared in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court on February 26, where the matter was adjourned to allow the defendant to hire a lawyer.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana explained that the charges against the accused stem from an incident that occurred on June 2 last year.
“The accused, along with his co-accused Timothy Murengerere, went to the residence of a forum member in the Nkandla section of Soshanguve, and when they arrived, they found a couple residing in the shack attempting to flee.”
She said the 39-year-old allegedly fired shots at the couple and set their home on fire.
The pair then proceeded to another shack, where they found two girls, Mfumo (4) and Tinyiko Mashaba (7).
Mahanjana stated that the accused allegedly asked the children about their father’s whereabouts, and when the children could not provide an answer, he allegedly told them they would “die for the sins of their parents” before shooting and killing them.
He then proceeded to set the shack on fire with the children inside, leaving them burnt beyond recognition.
After the incident, the family of the two girls was left traumatised by what had happened.
The two girls’ memorial service was held on June 6, and they were laid to rest on June 7 at Soshanguve Crossing Cemetery.
Image: Supplied
Tinyiko was in Grade 2 at Lesedi Primary School in Soshanguve.
GDE MEC Matome Chiloane conveyed his condolences and expressed that the GDE team was extremely shocked and saddened by the murder of the two girls at the time.
He said the tragic incident sent shockwaves throughout the community.
“The GDE has taken measures to support those affected by this incident.
District and ChildLine social workers were also dispatched to Lesedi Primary School and the bereaved family to provide necessary counselling and trauma support.
“This is a devastating loss, and my heart goes out to the family and the entire school community. The safety and well-being of our learners is paramount, and such acts of violence are unacceptable and must be addressed with the utmost seriousness,” said the MEC.
The accused was arrested in Pretoria in 2024.
Mahanjana said his arrest took place after he attempted to rob an elderly woman during an extensive investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
She said the accused will appear alongside his co-accused, Murengerere, and both remain in custody.
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