A warrant of arrest was issued for the young man who was set to appear in court for the murder of Ntokozo Mtsweni in November 2012.
As court proceedings was about to start on December 19, word was received that Thabiso Mphuti disappeared.
Mphuti’s attorney, Tumelo Pilusa told Judge Tony Thobane that his client’s whereabouts are unknown.
There was a murmur from the gallery as members of the ANC Women’s league, members of the ANC, the South African National Civic Organisation and community members voiced their anger.
Mesdames Paulina Khumeti and Enika Mashilela supported the Mtsweni family in Middelburg Court on Monday, December 19.
“Justice must be served. Thabiso’s parents must be put in jail as he was out on bail in their care. They should have made sure he was here standing trial for Ntokozo’s murder,” said Audrey Mtsweni, a family member of Ntokozo.
State advocate Erik van der Merwe said the presentence was ready and the probation officer was ready to take the stand.
Van der Merwe asked the judge to cancel Mphuti’s bail and issue an immediate warrant of arrest for him.
Judge Thobane ruled that the R5 000 bail paid by Mphuti’s parents was to be forfeited to the state.
The case was postponed to January 23 and 24.
Mphuti pleaded guilty to the murder of the 14-year-old Ntokoza on Monday, November 7.
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