Shoba’s case postponed to next year

The case of Ntuthuko Shoba who is accused of masterminding the murder of his pregnant girlfriend, Tshegofatso Pule has been postponed to January next year.

The trial was expected to begin at the South Gauteng High Court on Monday but the defense and the state agreed on the postponement to January 17 next year. Reasons given for the postponement include, the defence not having enough time to consult with the accused due to COVID-19.

“The fact that this is the first time this matter has sat down for trial in our court, whilst it is desirable for this case to proceed, it is not a red matter in a sense that it is a 2020 matter. The fact that council for the defence will not be available from next week and nor will he expect to be available this term,” said the judge giving some of the reasons for the postponement.

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The application for a postponement was brought by Shoba’s defence to allow for enough time to consult with him and prepare for the case. The state did not oppose the application and the council for the state placed it before the court that it won’t be prejudiced by the postponement.

The judge also noted that the court understands the pain Tshegofatso’s family is going through and that they need to get closure but their rights and desires are part of a process of justice. The defence and the state agreed to avail themselves of the trial from January 17 until the matter is concluded and Shoba will remain in custody.

Shoba is facing charges of murder, defeating the ends of justice and conspiracy to commit murder. This comes after Muzikayise Malephane who is already serving a lengthy jail term confessed to killing Pule on the instructions of Shoba.