Three state witnesses took to the stand yesterday, 9 March, in the murder trial of Thoriso Kgomo.
The trial started at the Limpopo High Court Polokwane Division on Monday, according to the National Prosecuting Authority’s Regional Spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhagi.
Kgomo (18) died after initially surviving an estimated 15 stab wounds during a social event on the second day of the new year in 2019.
The Northern Academy learner reportedly died for a “dry-fit” (street slang for a designer cap) following an alleged stabbing incident blamed on a 17-year-old suspect, who was identified as the leader of one of three gangs seemingly feared for ruling the Polokwane teen scene.
Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo at the time confirmed to Polokwane Observer that Kgomo was attacked and stabbed at about 02:00 on 2 January. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition as he sustained severe wounds and was unable to speak. Police launched a manhunt for the suspect whereupon he was arrested in Zone 3 in Seshego on Sunday, 6 January 2019, the day Thoriso passed on, according to Mojapelo.
Also read: Pops on alert as teen goes to court
The 17-year-old boy, who was arrested in connection with the murder, has since turned 19 and will be tried as an adult.
The accused’s lawyer withdrew from the case on Monday, and the trial was postponed to Tuesday.
On Tuesday, the accused defended himself as three state witnesses took to the stand.
According to the Kgomo family spokesperson, Rhodes Kgomo, the events of that night were relayed in court by the three witnesses.
The trial is set to continue in the same court today.
