POLOKWANE – The man accused of the death of the 15-year-old Dimpho Monareng during a drag race incident, has requested to plead guilty.

This development came during a scheduled pre-trial hearing at the Polokwane Regional Court on Monday, when the 20-year-old Katlego Mosoma announced his intention to admit guilt.

The hearing was cut short after Mosoma’s legal aid lawyer requested that the plea be postponed due to prior commitments.

The court set March 19 as the new date for the plea.

Monareng was struck and killed in December 2023 when Mosoma reportedly hit her in Seshego Zone 4, near Beach Front.

Read more: Dimpho Monareng: Hope for closure in culpable homicide case

Following the latest court proceedings, Dimpho’s mother, Lerato Monareng, said that after a difficult time for their family, this development has given them some hope for closure.

The case has faced multiple setbacks since its first appearance in the Seshego Magistrate’s Court.

In June, the investigating officer was unable to present crucial evidence from the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), including sketches, photographs, and witness statements.

The delays were reportedly caused by an officer on leave, who was responsible for releasing the evidence.

This was not the first time missing evidence had led to postponements. At one stage, the accused’s legal team requested that the case be withdrawn if the evidence was not made available.

Additionally, key witness statements were found to be missing from the case docket, despite one witness having intervened at the scene by taking Mosoma’s keys after the incident.

Eventually, all required evidence was presented, allowing the case to be transferred to the regional court.