POLOKWANE – The five accused in the murder case of Makoena Leshabane (46) and her business associate Tebogo Mphuti (35) appeared in the Limpopo High Court Polokwane Division today (January 21).

Thabo Stanley Leshabane (57) and his four co-accused, believed to be the ‘hitmen’; Ndondo Buthelezi (25), John Zulu (30), Bhekimuzi Phiyose (34) and Thembelani Dlamini (30) appeared before court was adjourned. 

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi says the case has been postponed to January 28 to secure legal representation for Leshabane.

It is alleged that Leshabane hired hitmen to kill his wife, Makoena, and Mphuti. They were shot and killed ‘execution style’ in Magna Via on October 10, 2020.

Leshabane was hospitalised shortly after the attack after he reportedly attempted to take his own life and was arrested while still in hospital.

His four co-accused were arrested within two weeks of the murders, in Ekhuruleni, Elseburg, Katlegong and Germiston areas, respectively during joint SAPS operations.

The suspects each face two counts of murder and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.