Tshepo Rakoma murder trial delayed by missing gun exhibit

POLOKWANE – The family of slain Tshepo Rakoma and their supporters are alarmed by the state’s negligence coupled with the constant plea changes by her ex-fiancé and accused perpetrator.

This follows an announcement by the state prosecution at the start of Josias Leboho’s trial in the Limpopo High Court: Polokwane Division that the gun used to kill her went missing under their care.

The weapon had been collected and used as one of the key exhibits forming part of their evidence report against the former taxi driver.

The state has requested time to look for the evidence and for the trial to resume on May 15-19.

Lebogo was arrested after Rakoma’s bullet riddled body was found inside a vehicle in the parking area of Shoprite Supermarket at the corner of Grobler and Landdros Maré streets on May 6, 2021.

At the time, police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, indicated that Lebogo had accosted the deceased while she was seated in the vehicle.

Read more: Details emerge of shooting incident in Polokwane CBD

“It is alleged an argument ensued between the two, whereby he produced a firearm and shot her several times. She died instantly,” he said.

Sympathisers of the former bank employee find Leboho to be exacerbating the time wasted because of his constant changes in pleading.

“He has very little regard for the pain he has caused because he wastes time and resources. He first pleaded not guilty, then pleaded guilty and asked for a plea bargain which was denied and now he pleads not guilty,” says Malatsema Ramokone, a member of the Lentsu Laka Foundation.

Constant setbacks dimmed the chances of the trial finishing sooner.

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Leboho gained his popular “superman” nickname on the day of the crime after he climbed on the rooftop of the building and attempted to end his life.

He was calmed, brought down and subsequently arrested by police.