SISTER ’ S MURDER CASE

NEITHER police nor the prosecuting authority can say what will happen to a woman who killed her brother, allegedly in selfdefence, in Soweto at the weekend.

Police spokesman Warrant Officer Kay Makhubele said Mpho Petlane was arrested for murder but the matter could not be prosecuted in the Protea Magistrate’s Court after it was not placed on the court roll.

National Prosecuting Authority spokeswoman Phindi Louw said the case was declared null, hence it was not placed on the court roll. However, investigations were continuing.

Samson Tsagae, brother to the dead man and the woman who allegedly killed him, gave a chilling account of the murder that happened at a braai on Saturday.

Tsagae told Sowetan he did all he could to prevent his elder brother Teboho Petlane, 37, from attacking his family.

He said the fight began at 9pm on Saturday after the siblings and four friends had a braai in their yard in Tladi, Soweto.

“They were all drinking liquor inside Teboho’s backroom. Mpho asked for a glass of wine from Teboho, who refused. They argued and he grabbed my sister by her hair and threw her outside.

“He then accused Mpho of taking his wallet, which his girlfriend was hiding. He attempted to hit Mpho with a heater and I intervened.

“Teboho then assaulted his girlfriend. My mother and grandmother came outside when they heard her screaming. He pushed our mother away and I took her back to the house for safety. He went to Mpho’s room demanding meat. Another argument ensued, ” said Tsagae.

He said his brother became angrier and returned to his room, where he assaulted his girlfriend again.

“Mpho became angry. I took her inside the main house where her two children, my mother and grandmother