The Free State High Court judge, Cagney Musi, cited a lot of inconsistencies from the witness statements and a lack of material evidence against Sekwetje Mahlamba and Sekola Matlaletsa. The case against the two started to fall apart during a week-long trial at the Circuit High Court sitting in Bethlehem, outside Paul Roux, where Horner was murdered in October 2020. Mahlamba and Matlaletsa faced three counts, which also included stock theft on a separate case which was added to their indictment later. Musi says statements from witnesses gave false testimonies and were, at best, contradictory.

The state conceded that it did not have evidence against the two suspects.  The state's case was dealt a serious blow after the retrieved cellphone records regarding their movements showed that Mahlamba and Matlaletsa were nowhere near the crime scene. OFM News previously reported the state's DNA test results of blood samples taken from the accused’s clothes, came back negative and did not match Horner's blood.

Mahlamba and Matlaletsa were arrested in 2020 after the body of Horner was discovered, tied to a pole in an open space situated at De Rots on 1 October 2020. According to information received, police received a call from other farmers reporting the attack.

Before the trial, the two men were released on R5 000 bail each after spending a few months in jail.

This case once evoked many emotions in South Africa which even led to chaotic protests outside the Senekal Magistrate's Court where the duo first appeared.

OFM News