POLOKWANE – A final pre-trial conference is expected to take place in the Limpopo High Court on Tuesday ahead of a murder trial involving a prominent local businessman accused of masterminding the 2023 killing of a fellow businessman.

Multi-businessman Moretje Maraka is accused of paying Mabu Mailula R250 000 to orchestrate the shooting of funeral parlour co-director Jackie Ramogale in a parking lot outside the gymnasium at the Thornhill Shopping Centre at the time. Ramogale was shot in the head.

Maraka faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder and murder, while Mailula is charged with premeditated murder. Both offences are classified as schedule six.

Maraka was granted R100 000 bail in 2024 after the court found exceptional circumstances.

During proceedings at the Polokwane Magistrates Court, his legal representative at the time, former National Director of Public Prosecutions Adv Shaun Abrahams, argued that Maraka’s businesses employed a significant number of people who relied on his leadership for their livelihoods.

In an affidavit read during his bail application, Maraka denied the charges and indicated he would plead not guilty at trial.

In a further development, the accused’s friend, MlungisiMotana, has reportedly agreed to testify for the state. The pre-trial conference is expected to assist both the prosecution and the defence in preparing for trial, which is yet to be scheduled. Motana, also a businessman was pointed in court as an accomplice in planning Ramogale’s demise.

The matter has experienced several delays, partly attributed to the previous defence counsel residing outside the province and being unavailable during key proceedings. Maraka is now represented by new legal counsel.