POLOKWANE – The murder trial against Thabo Stanley Leshabane (57) and his four co-accused continued in the Limpopo High Court: Polokwane Division on Monday morning (January 17).
The five accused, Leshabane, John Zulu (30), Ndondo Buthelezi (25), Bhekimeze Phiyose (34) and Thembelani Dlamini (30) stand accused of the murder of Makoena Leshabane (46) and her business associate, Tebogo Mphuti (35). Leshabane and Mphuti were shot and killed ‘execution style’ in Magna Via on October 10, 2020.
Preliminary police investigations at the time revealed that the two women were with a local property agent, viewing various business premises with the view of renting, when the shooting occurred.
Makoena’s husband, Thabo, was hospitalised shortly after the attack after he reportedly attempted to take his own life and was arrested while still in hospital.
His four co-accused were arrested within two weeks of the murders, in Ekhuruleni, Elseburg, Katlegong and Germiston areas, respectively during joint SAPS operations.
The suspects each face two counts of murder and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Mushudu Malabi-Dzhangi, NPA regional spokesperson, said the state has accused Leshabane of being the mastermind behind the fatal attack.
Today in court the case was postponed to secure a legal representative for the accused. The trail will continue on Friday (January 21), she added.
