Nine suspects appeared at the Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court in connection with the mob killing of a lecturer from the Tshwane University of Technology who was found naked and lying in a street in Soshanguve.

The accused are Koketso Molambo (37), Thapelo Mothemani (33), Solomon Maunatlala (32), Kholofelo Phasha (20), Kabelo Mothiba (43), Koketso Masuku (34), Lerato Matlala (37), Marry Dudu Mogale (43) and Maggie Phasha (56). They were each granted bail of R2 000 on March 9.

They face murder charges following the death of TUT lecturer Madasi Sifundo.

NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the incident allegedly took place on February 25 at around midnight, when police received a complaint about a mob-justice incident in Soshanguve Block L.

“It is alleged that members of the community accused Sifundo of raping two minors, aged nine and 12,” Mahanjana said.

Police responded to the complaint and found Sifundo naked and lying face down in the street. Emergency medical services were called in and certified him dead.

Following police investigations, the nine accused were arrested on February 27.

The State opposed the bail application. Prosecutor Thandi Nduli argued that bail should not be granted because of the seriousness of the offence and the potential risk to witnesses.

“The State opposed the application based on the seriousness of the offence and the fact that the accused are known to State witnesses, which raises concerns that they may intimidate them,” Mahanjana explained.

Despite the State’s opposition, the court found that exceptional circumstances existed which justified the release of the accused on bail.

The matter has been postponed to April 29 to allow for further investigations.

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