VEREENIGING – Sharpeville father Lopang Donald Phele (33), who was detained after being charged with the gruesome murder of his daughter, Keamogetswe ‘Kea’ Mokemane (6), has been denied bail by the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court.

Mokemane’s body was discovered with multiple stab wounds on October 8, after her father fled the scene. Police spokesperson Constable Busisiwe Sango confirmed that the suspect handed himself over to the police on October 9.

The child’s mother, Nthabiseng Mokemane, revealed she had received a disturbing SMS from the father of her child on the night before the incident, stating it would be her “last time seeing the child”.

Phele appeared for a formal bail application on October 22. During cross-examination by his lawyer, Phele stated that he would like to return to his family and community to ask for forgiveness for what he has done. Phele stated that he is not a violent person in nature.

During the proceedings, a shocking revelation was made by the state prosecutor, citing that the little girl had not only been murdered, but she had also been raped. Scores of community members who filled the gallery during the proceedings could not contain their shock.

Giving his judgment, the magistrate stated that Phele had not provided sufficient reasons compelling the court to grant him bail. He denied the bail based on the severity of the charges that Phele is facing.

Speaking to Ster North outside the court, Nthabiseng Mokemane, a cousin and namesake of the mother of the deceased, said that she was shocked to hear that the child had not only been murdered in cold blood but also raped.

“We had heard rumours, but we were not sure. Today is the first time that I received confirmation that our baby had been raped. I am beyond shocked. I’m so heartbroken that I don’t even know what to say. As a family, we really need justice to be served; that is all we want.”

The case was postponed to November 26 for further investigation.

*A second charge has been added to the charge sheet but Phele has not yet pleaded on the charge. According to South African law, the media therefore cannot confirm the charge at this stage.