The three men involved in the shooting of 36-year-old Lerato Cathrine Tefo on December 8 at a busy intersection have appeared for the first time in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court today, December 12.

Tefo was shot multiple times while seated in her Kia Rio at the Corlett Avenue and Ontdekkers Road intersection. She was declared dead on the scene.

During Friday’s court proceedings, the state outlined how a man allegedly stepped out of the front passenger side of a white VW Polo, which had stopped a short distance behind Tefo’s vehicle, approached her window and fired at least four shots through the closed driver’s side window. The Polo then pulled up next to him. He got back in, and the car sped away.

• Also read: Witpoortjie murder: Three suspects nabbed

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that one suspect had been taken in for questioning on Tuesday. It has not yet been established whether that individual is among the three who have been arrested.

• Read the initial article here: Woman shot dead at Corlett and Ontdekkers intersection

In court, it also emerged that the accused claimed they were “appointed” by someone to carry out the murder.

After the magistrate explained their rights to legal representation, two of the accused indicated that they would appoint private attorneys. The third was directed to apply for legal aid.

All three men were remanded in police custody and are expected to return to court on Wednesday, December 17, when their legal representation is set to be finalised and dates for their bail applications determined.

The magistrate noted that the state is opposing bail and reminded the accused that, as the charge falls under Schedule 6, they must demonstrate exceptional circumstances to be granted bail.