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VIDEO: Alleged murder mastermind in Tshego’s case denied bail

It was also cited that he might tamper with the witnesses and evidence corroborated against him, despite his denying knowledge of any of the State witnesses.

Ntuthuko Shoba, 32, the alleged mastermind behind the brutal death of Tshegofatso Pule, was denied bail in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 5 March.

Magistrate Delize Smith presiding over the matter felt that Shoba, who faces charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and defeating the ends of justice, failed to provide exceptional circumstances in order to be granted bail.

Ntuthuko Shoba, the alleged mastermind in Tshego’s murder, walking to the dock. Photo: Siso Naile.

“The applicant placed his personal circumstances before the court; however, what was presented was that the applicant has a fixed address, work, has no previous convictions, and he would withstand his trial. But it is clear that much more should’ve been said by the applicant to convince the court of his personal circumstances,” the Magistrate said.

Despite having no assets abroad or declaring any in the country, the Magistrate felt that Shoba would not withstand his trial should he be granted bail. Shoba’s affidavit also stated that he had received death threats prior to becoming a suspect, to which the Magistrate responded, “No evidence was placed before this court on what steps he would take to avoid these death threats from becoming a fact”.
She went on to cite that Shoba had no sufficient reasons to show that his release will not disturb or deny the public peace, judging by the public interest in this case, which has drawn national attention.

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It was also cited that he might tamper with the witnesses and evidence corroborated against him, despite his denying knowledge of any of the State witnesses.

In conclusion the Magistrate said the applicant has relied throughout on an affidavit that only states the bare minimum, where he places the burden on apparent probabilities. “The totality of the evidence presented in this court proves that he would not withstand his trial,” Smith ruled.

Following the judgement, the family in attendance could not contain their excitement as they screamed ‘Yes’ after Shoba was denied bail.

The spokesperson for the family, Tshego’s uncle Tumisang Katake, reflected on the outcome by saying that the judgement was a milestone in pursuing justice for his niece, who was found with a bullet wound to her chest, and hanging from a tree in Durban Deep on 4 June 2020.

Ntuthuko Shoba, the alleged mastermind in Tshego’s murder, was denied bail. Photo: Siso Naile.

The matter was postponed to 25 March for indictment and placement for trial in the South Gauteng High Court. At this stage it is unknown whether Shoba will be appealing this decision.

“What we need to start doing as a family is preparing ourselves psychologically and mentally to attend the trial, and to make sure that we remain strong and ensure that justice is served for Tshegofatso,” Katake concluded.

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