Mankweng man accused of stabbing teen to death awaits trial decision
Malesela Andries Mehlape, accused of killing his stepchild in Ga-Thoka near Mankweng, remains in custody as the court considers transferring the case to a higher court.
POLOKWANE – The Mankweng Magistrate’s Court recently heard from the defence in the case of 43-year-old Malesela Andries Mehlape, who reportedly sent threatening messages to his ex-lover, the mother of his stepchild.
Mehlape is accused of killing the 14-year-old Rebotile Moloto in March in Ga-Thoka near Mankweng, following an alleged altercation with the child’s mother the previous night.
Read more: Mehlape bail hearing delayed after rejecting his own affidavit
He faces charges of murder, arson and intimidation. Authorities allege that Mehlape set fire to the door of the mother’s rental home, prompting her to obtain a protection order.
On the day of the incident, he reportedly stabbed and killed Rebotile while she was on her way to school.
The matter was postponed on September 26 to November 28 to allow the state to determine which higher court will hear the trial.
During the court proceedings, it was heard that Mehlape sustained injuries to his hand during an alleged assault by prison warders.
He told the magistrate that the police had not opened a case despite prior instructions. Magistrate Arshad Chayya again requested police assistance regarding Mehlape’s complaint.
Mehlape remains in custody as the case proceeds.
