A woman appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on Monday, March 9, in connection with the execution-style murder of 36-year-old Lerato Tefo in December.

She was arrested by police in Rivonia on Friday, March 6.

Tefo was shot point-blank through the window of her Kia Rio while sitting in early morning traffic at the Corlett Avenue and Ontdekkers Road intersection on December 8.

Related article: Roodepoort court denies bail in Witpoortjie murder-for-hire case

The 31-year-old woman appeared briefly in court and indicated through her attorney that she intends to apply for bail and also to oppose media coverage of her bail application hearing.

The other three accused in the case, Sinqobile Xaba (36), Lindani Sithole (31), and Zakhele Ngema (23), were denied bail on January 2. Their trial is set to begin on March 30.

A fourth suspect involved in the shooting is still being sought by police.

It is not yet clear whether the accused will be tried together or whether the woman will be tried separately.

The woman will appear again on Monday, March 16, where a date will be set for her bail application. She remains in custody.

The Roodepoort Record spoke to the traumatised Tefo family, who spent the morning anxiously waiting to see the accused in court.

“We are relieved that she is finally behind bars,” says the victim’s mother, Lucia Tefo, who was visibly shaken after the court proceedings.

“As a family, we are hopeful that justice will finally prevail.”

Lerato’s stepfather, Peter Malete, adds that the family has been under severe strain since the murder.

“It takes its toll on everyone,” he says. “All we can do is hope and pray that those responsible are brought to book.”

Also read: Security officer shot while responding to house robbery