POLOKWANE – The men stand accused of orchestrating the murder of community activist, Charles Mgidi, in Mokopane and the trial is expected to continue in Mokopane until 13 November. Samuel Matjila, Patrick Sekhu, and Desmond Machaba, who were members of the Mahwelereng Taxi Association (MTA), were arrested in connection with the murder in April last year of Mgidi, who was a member of the Mogalakwena Residents Association (MRA).
Mgidi was shot and killed at the Mokopane taxi rank when he was among a group of taxi association members who inspected the taxi rank amid ongoing taxi violence at the time.
Over the past two weeks, Matjila has been desperately trying to acquire bail, but to no avail. On 14 October, Matjila was allegedly “smuggled” into the courtroom of the Mokerong Magistrate’s Court where he appeared for a bail application, apparently without the knowledge of the community. Matjila was denied bail and remanded in custody until he reappeared in the same court last week Friday. Spokesperson for the MTA, Joyce Molau, said: “When Matjila was smuggled to court, the magistrate, who is new to the case, became suspicious about the absence of community members who always picket outside the court to oppose the bail of these men”.
During his bail application on Friday, Matjila told the court, as mitigating circumstances for his application, that his family and business were taking strain as a result of his longevity behind bars.
Well-known community activist and MRA leader, Percy Nketsi, said he was appalled by Matjila’s mitigation.
“I can’t believe that a towering man like Matjila can go that low to mention his family and business in a desperate bid to be freed. The man should have thought about that before committing the crime that robbed a man of his life,” Nketsi said.
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Samuel Matjila, granted bail
