Alleged child murderer, Colbens Ramatsetse (25) has pleaded not guilty.
Ramatsetse is accused of the murder of 9-year-old Mdumiseni Mthini and the assault of his sister Thato Mthini (23). Mdu, as he was known to his family and friends, was brutally murdered in August last year. His body was found on a hill in Ext. 12 in Ikageng.
Three witnesses have placed Ramatsetse, an SANDF soldier, in the area on the day of the murder. Neo Magaulane (18) testified that she saw Mdu with a man who she later identified as Ramatsetse on the day of the murder. According to her testimony, they were walking up the hill together, carrying cans of Dragon energy drinks. Neo asked Ramatsetse for a drink, after which he (Ramatsetse) and Mdu left together.
Warrant officer, Anton Venter testified that he had found empty Dragon cans close to Mdu’s body. All forensic evidence has been tested and the prosecution is in possession of the results. At the time of going to print, the prosecution had not yet made the results of the DNA tests known. Ramatsetse’s lawyer, Francois van As maintained that, according to his client, he was never on the scene.
He argued that if any DNA evidence links his client to the scene, then it is possible that the police may have tampered with the evidence. WO Venter argued that the evidence was in his possession from the time it was collected to when it was sent for DNA tests and fingerprints.
Thato Mthini testified on Tuesday that Ramatsetse had previously threatened her and her family, saying that he would kill them all. She also testified that he had assaulted her with an iron about two months before her younger brother’s body was found. She admitted to being afraid of Ramatsetse.
The uncle of the deceased stated that the family has confidence that the law will take its course and justice will be served after this tragedy.
The trial is set to continue until Friday, follow @potch_herald on Twitter for updates on the trial.
