Two Mehlape murder suspects denied bail in Mankweng Court
It is alleged that Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape's daughter conspired with the rest of the accused to have him murdered in what would have been staged as a house break-in.
POLOKWANE – Two of the five accused of murdering an education circuit manager were denied bail last Friday.
Mologadi Mehlape (27), Tshepo Ramiro (34), Lehlohonolo Magatlane (34), Mahlodi Mathole (34) and Michael Sello Molongoane (42) appeared in the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court for the murder of Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape in December.
Read more: Another family member in dock for circuit manager murder
Mehlape and Mathole were the only applicants who applied for bail while the rest abandoned their applications.
During the bail hearing, prosecutor Max Mathabatha vigorously opposed the applications and the court ultimately concurred.
The suspects face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of unlicensed firearm, and unlicensed ammunition.
Mehlape, Magatlane and Mathole were arrested in Mankweng and during these arrests in January, a double cab bakkie was confiscated after it was allegedly used to commit the crime.
Read more: Education circuit manager murder: Daughter joins 2 in dock
Molongoane was arrested in Zebediela and a firearm allegedly used in the commissioning of the offence, was also recovered.
The 56-year-old Mehlape was gunned down at his home in Mankweng Zone 1 on December 28 last year. It is alleged that his daughter, who is accused number one conspired with the rest of the accused to have him murdered in what would have been staged as a house break-in.
The matter was postponed to April 11.
