Karabo murder case delay as fresh evidence emerges
THE state yesterday again postponed the trial of Sandile Mantsoe‚ alleged to have killed his on-andoff girlfriend Karabo Mokoena‚ saying it had learnt of some crucial evidence it needed finalised prior to commencing the trial.
“We learnt of this evidence on Thursday last week‚” said state advocate Pakanyiswa Marasela‚ adding that they expected expert witnesses to have briefed them further. “The [police] captain from Pretoria informed us at 9.10am that the analysts who were meant to come and consult with him are still in Durban on another matter‚” Marasela said‚ requesting a postponement.
This is the second piece of crucial evidence that the state alleged had popped up at the eleventh hour. Proceedings were postponed on March 5 after the state said it had new evidence that it needed to follow up on.
Judge Colleen Collis said it was crucial for the matter to be finalised.
“There is a huge public interest in this matter and they need to know what is causing the delays‚” she said.
The matter was postponed to April 16‚ which would be the start of a 15-day trial.
During the bail application‚ the state submitted that Mantsoe had told police that he had killed Mokoena for a blood ritual he wanted to perform to strengthen his business.
Mantsoe faces charges of premeditated murder‚ defeating the ends of justice and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. —