Thorisho Themane murder trial to now only start on 25 January

The murder trial of Flora ark resident, Thorisho Themane was e[pected to begin in the olokwane igh Court on onday, but was postponed to 25 -anuary.

Themane was murdered on 23 February 2019, allegedly by learners from a local school.

The murder caused outrage with members of the community demanding Mustice be done and showing their discontent through night vigils, marches and protests across the city.

ccording to the pokesperson for the ational rosecuting uthority, ashudu alabiD]hangi, the trial was postponed as the defence lawyer of accused number three is in Tuarantine due to Covid-19. Eleven people were initially charged with Themane s murder. Two of the accused are adults, while the other nine were minors at the time. Three of them have since turned of age. 2ne of the minors passed away before the matter was moved to the high court and three others have turned state witness, she e[plained.

alabi-D]hangi said the three minors who turned of age will now be tried as adults.

The remaining two minors and five adults will appear in the high court again on 25 -anuary when the murder trial resumes, she concluded.

.evin hohotona from the Thorisho Themane Foundation says Covid-19 has become a challenge in the finalisation of the trial, but is hopeful that the trial will resume as scheduled.

Themane s legal team is confident that the trial will only reTuire two weeks, but the positive Covid-19 tests from those involved have been the cause of delay.