VEREENIGING. – Palesa Mofokeng’s mother, for the first time since her daughter’s murder on April 5, summoned the courage to confront her daughter’s assailants.
Tseleng Mathibela stood among a crowded audience at the Vereeniging Regional Court, surrounded by friends, family, and ANC members who attentively observed the legal proceedings.
Palesa Mofokeng, a Riverside High School teacher, was allegedly murdered by her ex-husband, Dr. Tumelo Ntholeng, and his associates. In court, it was revealed that Pakiso Makhanya, Ntholeng’s cousin, had hired the alleged hitman, Mzwanele Mazeke, to carry out the murder.
Mathibela, who stayed updated on the case through links to news stories and updates from friends, expressed deep sorrow upon learning of Makhanya’s role as the facilitator on behalf of Ntholeng.
After the prosecution’s refusal to grant bail to the accused, Mathibela addressed the media, stating: “I don’t know Mazeke and Thabethe.
I saw them in court today for the first time.
The only people I know very well are Ntholeng and his cousin, Tallman. Tallman used to fix Palesa’s car, and at some point, he used to help with my car.”
Mathibela recounted an incident from last year when Palesa encountered car trouble and called Tallman for assistance, unaware of any sinister motives.
She added: “My daughter didn’t suspect anything. She also didn’t suspect Ntholeng would one day harm her,” revealing her devastation as a mother.
The court case was remanded to Wednesday due to Mazeke’s lawyer not being present. Magistrate Chris Kruger explained: “I met with the defense to establish why one of the attorneys wasn’t in court, and they gave a reasonable explanation, so I moved the court case to April 24.”