Plot to kill premier case delayed
NINETEEN months since a former Mahikeng local municipality councillor was arrested for plotting to kill North West premier Supra Mahumapelo and her anticipated trial experienced yet another delay yesterday.
The Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court near Zeerust in the North West was filled to capacity with ANC members who hoped to find out why Gaasite Legalatladi allegedly wanted the premier dead.
Legalatladi, 43, was believed to have had a close relationship with Mahumapelo before the incident.
The case has turned into a lengthy court battle. Yesterday magistrate Stephen du Toit postponed the case to August 17 after Legalatladi’s lawyer Butch Schoeman could not attend the session because his father had died.
Legalatladi is facing a charge of conspiracy to murder after she allegedly consulted a traditional healer at Mmasebudule village near Zeerust in December 2014.
She allegedly wanted to kill both Mahumapelo – for allegedly taking her parent’s farm – and Mahikeng mayor Gosiame Seatlholo – for being appointed mayor ahead of her.
According to the Hawks, Legalatladi, who was at that time a member of the mayoral committee, told the healer she wanted the two dead. The Hawks, who captured the meeting on video, arrested her at the scene.
Outside court, the Ngaka Modiri Molema district mayor Justice Makolomakwa pleaded with ANC members to allow court proceedings to continue unhindered.
“The day will come [when the matter is concluded]; stay strong,” said Makolomakwa, who is a witness in the case.
Mahumapelo, who is also North West ANC chairman, was in Tlokwe yesterday to welcome 300 former DA members who had just just joined his party.