The Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court denied bail on 30 June, to murder accused Sandile Mantsoe.
Mantsoe is accused of murdering Karabo Mokoena, his ex-girlfriend, whose charred remains were found dumped in a shallow grave in Lyndhurst on 28 April. Magistrate Carlo Labuschagne denied Mantsoe bail, saying it’s not in the interest of justice to grant bail.
Labuschagne first read through the statements presented in court by Mantsoe’s defence team and the State.
Read: Mantsoe will know his fate soon
He said Mantsoe failed to convince the court that, among other things, he is not a flight risk.
Labuschagne said, “According to the evidence presented in court by the investigating officer you failed to submit your identity documents, which makes this court see you as a flight risk. Your submitted affidavit is also not sufficient for this court to grant you bail and therefore, bail is denied.”
The case will be back in court on 28 July for a trial date, however, Labuschagne said Mantsoe will not be in court.
Mantsoe’s legal representative, Advocate Victor Simelani said they will review the judgment.
“Obviously after reviewing the transcripts of the judgment we will then make a decision as to whether or not we will appeal against the judgment,” said Simelani who was with Mantsoe’s family.
@JHBCourt #magistrate say the investigation reveal #karabo was not suicidal
— Thabo Jobo (@ThaboNokajobo) June 30, 2017
@JHBCourt #applicant claim he did cooperated with the police when arrested
— Thabo Jobo (@ThaboNokajobo) June 30, 2017
@JBBCourt @SandileMantsoe magistrate denied bail
— Thabo Jobo (@ThaboNokajobo) June 30, 2017
Read: Media lawyers to argue ban on Mantsoe’s case
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