POLOKWANE – Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo has confirmed that accused number three in the Deacon murder case, Sophie Mmako (53), has been released on bail.
Mmako was the domestic worker of Polokwane businesswoman Lizette Deacon and her mother Hettie, who were attacked in their townhouse in Polokwane in 2020.
Read more: UPDATE: Suspect arrested for Deacon murders; accomplices sought
The two were later found in the back of Lizette’s vehicle along the R37 on the evening of September 10. Their murder sent shockwaves through the city as Lizette was a prominent businesswoman and much-loved figure in several circles.
A number of protests and demonstrations, including the formation of the Women Taking Back Safety Organisation, formed part of residents’ outcry for justice.
Residents and protestors gathered outside the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court during the proceedings demanding that no bail be granted for the suspects.
Read more: [WATCH] Polokwane court sets trial date for Deacon murders
Four suspects; Mmako, Lazarus Mahlo (43), Advance Amid (32) and Casper Mudau (37) were arrested for the murder of the two women following a 72-hour activation plan.
They last appeared in the Polokwane Magistrare’s Court on March 12, 2021, each facing two counts of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and kidnapping.
The case was postponed to August 1-12 for trial.
Read more: Deacon murders: Trial date set for 2022
Amid and Mahlo abandoned their bail application early on in the case and judge Janine Ungerer previously refused the bail application of Mmako and Mudau.
The magistrate cited public outcry as one of the reasons why she denied them bail. Mojapelo says he does not have further information on the release of Mmako as the release happened in the magistrate’s chambers and not in court.
Read more: Deacon murders: R250k reward for wanted suspect
Review could not confirm the details surrounding her bail conditions, but details are awaited.
