Mehlape bail hearing delayed after rejecting his own affidavit
The Mankweng Magistrate's Court postponed a bail hearing for a man accused of murdering his stepdaughter, as residents call for him to be denied bail.
POLOKWANE – The bail hearing of Malesela Andries Mehlape (43), who stands accused of murdering his 14-year-old stepdaughter, Rebotile Penelope Mehlape, has been postponed following developments in the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on July 7.
The postponement came after Mehlape rejected an affidavit submitted by his attorney, Mashudu Kwinda, which had sought his release on bail.
The affidavit stated that Mehlape needed to care for his two children, however, Mehlape’s unexpected rejection of the document led Kwinda to request a postponement.
“I can’t proceed with the bail hearing without clear instructions from my client,” said Kwinda.
Magistrate Archad Chaya granted the postponement, and Mehlape will remain in custody until the next hearing set for July 14. Meanwhile, residents of Ga-Mothapo have intensified their calls for Mehlape to be denied bail, citing serious concerns over public safety. Princess Legaseane Mothapo of the Bakgakga ba Ga-Mothapo Traditional Council voiced the community’s fears.
“That man is dangerous and full of anger. Now let’s work together to ensure that he rots in jail.”
Community leader Nelson Ramogale called on residents to attend court proceedings in large numbers to oppose any bail application: “Our presence in court sends a message, we do not want him back in our community”.
