Mokoena abandons bail bid in Mlambo murder case in Bethal

Tsepo Mokoena (29) abandoned his bail application when he appeared before the Bethal Magistrate’s Court on September 15 in connection with the kidnapping and murder of eMzinoni resident Bongani Mlambo.

Mokoena is facing charges of kidnapping and murder following the discovery of Mlambo’s body along the R35 road towards Middelburg on August 31, several days after Mlambo was reported missing.

Mlambo was last known to have been at his residence in Milan Park, eMzinoni, between August 25 and 26.

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According to the eMzinoni police, Mlambo’s colleagues became concerned after he failed to report for duty and could not be reached telephonically.

One of his colleagues went to his residence to establish his whereabouts. Both gates were found locked, but after access to the property was gained, the colleague discovered that the garage door appeared to have been tampered with.

Mlambo was not found at the residence, and his vehicle was also missing from the garage. A vehicle-tracking company located the vehicle in Middelburg.

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Mokoena was arrested and charged in connection with Mlambo’s disappearance and death. He remains in custody, with the matter postponed to October 20 for further investigation.

Nhlakanipho Mlambo, the deceased’s brother, said the family welcomed Mokoena’s decision to abandon his bail application.

“The family welcomes the decision because we want him to remain behind bars until justice is served for us and Bongani,” said Nhlakanipho.