MOKOPANE – Taholofelo Joseph Motshoane (38) and Thabo Phanuel Phofedi (46) appeared in the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court recently for the murder of prominent attorney, Schalk Pienaar.

The two were apprehended in Gauteng late last year.

Bosveld previously reported that Pienaar was shot at close range in front of his house in Chroompark at around 18:30 on September 19.

Read more: Well-known attorney gunned down at his Mokopane home

The investigation showed that Pienaar was shot several times and several shell casings were found in front of, as well as inside his garage.

Investigating officer Serg Letlotlo Lucas Ledwaba confirmed that the police have strong evidence against Phofedi, including CCTV footage and an admission statement he made to a senior police official concerning his role in the gruesome murder.

Phofedi, in a statement heard by the court through his defence lawyer, stated that he is taking care of his four children and his mother who has a chronic illness and depends on him to provide for her medical needs and therefore has to be released on bail.

Ledwaba indicated that the suspect has the potential to engage in more criminal activities should he be released on bail, following his past convictions.

Motshoane abandoned his bail application.

The matter was postponed to the March 6 for further bail hearing and the suspects will remain in custody.