Ntuthuko Shoba, 32, the alleged mastermind behind the brutal death of Tshegofatso Pule, is expected to return to the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 25 March to be formally charged.
Shoba, who faces charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and defeating the ends of justice, was denied bail after his application was found to hold insufficient reasons. He has pleaded not guilty.
Also read: Alleged murder mastermind in Tshego’s case denied bail
Magistrate Delize Smith presiding over the matter ruled that Shoba had not shown that he would stand trial should he be granted bail, after his failure to provide exceptional circumstances.
Following Shoba’s indictment, the matter is expected to be transferred to the South Gauteng High Court for trial.
The self-confessed triggerman in Tshego’s murder, Muzikayise Malephane, was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment after signing a plea deal with the State.
Also read: Arrested alleged mastermind in Tshego’s murder appears in court
Malephane said he was offered R70 000 by Shoba to murder the eight-months pregnant Tshego.
The 28-year-old slain woman was found hanging from a tree with a bullet wound to the chest last year.
