Dimpho Monareng case to be heard in regional court

POLOKWANE – Progress has been made in the culpable homicide case involving Katlego Mosoma, who turns 21 this year.

Mosoma stands accused of causing the death of the 15-year-old Dimpho Monareng in December in Seshego Zone 4 during a reported drag racing incident near the Beach Front Dam.

The case has been transferred from the Seshego Magistrate’s Court to the regional court, following a decision that its complexities exceed the jurisdiction of the district court.

In a previous hearing in June, the investigating officer was unable to present crucial evidence held by the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), including sketches, witness statements, and photographs.

Read more: Dimpho Monareng case faces potential withdrawal

This was not the first time the case had been postponed due to missing evidence. The officer cited delays caused by an officer on leave at the LCRC, who was responsible for releasing the evidence.

As a result, the accused’s legal counsel requested that the case be withdrawn if the evidence remained unavailable by the next court date.

Additionally, the prosecutor revealed that key witness statements were missing from the case docket, despite the presence of a key witness who not only observed the incident but also intervened by taking Mosoma’s keys.

However, in the most recent court session, the investigating officer presented Monareng’s docket, complete with all the required evidence, much to the satisfaction of the presiding magistrate. This development led to the decision to elevate the case to a higher court.

Lerato Monareng, the mother of the victim, expressed her relief at the progress.

“I am feeling much more relieved than before. I almost fainted in court when I heard that crucial documents were missing and that witness statements were inadequate. But now, there is light in the journey to seek justice for my daughter,” she said.

The case is scheduled to be heard on September 5.