POLOKWANE – Sophie Mmako, Lazarus Mahlo, Advance Amid and Casper Mudau appeared in the Limpopo High Court: Polokwane Division earlier today (August 1).
The foursome are accused of the double murder of Lizette and Hettie Deacon on September 10, 2020. They were arrested following a 72-hour activation plan.
Today marked day one of the murder trial, and in a turn of events, the case against Amid was withdrawn as he could not be linked to the murders.
Each of the remaining accused face two counts of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and kidnapping.
Mmako, who worked for the victims as a domestic worker, is believed to be the mastermind behind the double murder. She was released on bail in February, to the dismay of the Deacon family.
The late Lizette Deacon’s sister-in-law, Christa Deacon, at the time told Review that the news of the suspected murder mastermind’s release upset the family.
“I don’t understand the grounds for her release and if there had been communication, maybe they would have explained to us why they decided to let her go. All we want is to be able to understand,” she previously said.
Mahlo, who was reportedly involved in a romantic relationship with Mmako at the time of the murders, and Mudau are still in custody.
The trial is set to continue tomorrow (August 2).
Also read: Deacon murders: R250k reward for wanted suspect
