UP student murder accused’s bail application postponed
"He could have been any one of us."
The two men charged with murdering and robbing a University of Pretoria student in the early hours of Saturday in Hatfield will remain in police custody.
This was after the court postponed their bail application this week.
The men, Bongani Sibiya and William Seema Makgoba (aged 38 and 33), appeared at the Pretoria magistrate’s court on Monday for murder, robbery and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition charges.
NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the case has been postponed to September 19 for a formal bail application.
Thapelo Menwe (23) was shot and killed in Grosvenor Street, close to the TuksDorp student residence before 02:00 on Saturday.
Police arrested the suspects shortly after the murder, according to police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo.
“The student was reportedly walking in Hatfield when he was accosted by a man, who shot him and took his belongings before jumping into a getaway car, a white Toyota Corolla.
“The police were informed of the incident and responded swiftly.
“During routine patrols, police spotted the car that matched the description of the getaway vehicle and stopped it.
“The occupants were searched and found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and the deceased’s personal belongings,” Masondo said.
CCTV footage of the shooting circulated on social media, showing a man with a gun confronting Menwe as he crossed the street. A few seconds later, the man was seen shooting Menwe. When he fell to the ground, the man searched him and took his belongings.
UP spokesperson Rikus Delport said the internal audit honours student was declared dead on the scene.
Delport said they were shocked by the murder and sent messages of condolences to Menwe’s family.
“We condemn any form of violence against students,” he said.
UP SRC president Thuto Mashile said students were shaken and scared after the murder of a fellow student.
“Thapelo could have been any one of us.”
There will be a candlelight prayer on Thursday (16:00) where Menwe was killed close to TuksDorp residence in Hatfield.
Several student organisations including Sasco and EFFSC expressed their shock at the news of Menwe’s murder.
Please take note!! #UPSRC💙💛❤ pic.twitter.com/BMjMJgru1R
— UP SRC (@UP_SRC) September 13, 2022
It is with great shock and sadness that the University of Pretoria (UP) confirms the death of one of our students in the early hours of Saturday morning in Hatfield, close to the Tuksdorp residence. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/6qiox0YrTk
— University of Pretoria (@UPTuks) September 13, 2022
ALSO READ: Student shot dead outside TuksDorp residence
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