The suspects, alleged to have been involved both directly and indirectly in Siemens’ murder, will make what is believed to be their final appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on April 11, a month before the 1-year anniversary of the businessman’s untimely murder.

Prosecutor Johan de Nysschen confirms all seven suspects, who are between the ages of 29 and 56 years, will appear on that day for a possible Free State High Court date. Stanley Bakili, Mogoera Molebatsi, Kagiso Chabane, Mojalefa Jali Molusi, Moeketsi Lesia, Karabo Tau and Sizwe Mpati are facing a variety of charges that include murder, conspiracy to commit murder and extortion. Aside from one slight development, no evidence was revealed in the courtroom today.

 While today’s court appearance did not reveal any enlightening information, it did appear that accused number one and the alleged mastermind behind the crime, Bakili, had changed legal counsel. During the last stages of his bail application, the businessman was represented by Izak Nel. He is now being represented by a Mr Niel Schoeman, who was not present during today’s appearance but did have a stand-in there. This has not yet been confirmed by the defence.

Siemens, the former Managing Director of CityMed day hospital was shot on Thursday, May 10, in the basement parking area of Preller Square shopping complex by self-confessed killer turned state witness, Xolisile Mbebetho. The assassin was convicted of pulling the trigger that ended Siemens life in November 2018 and he was sentenced to 22 years in jail by the High Court.

In January 2019, Magistrate Marlene Marais denied Bakili, Mogoera and Chabane’s release on bail, citing the defence’s failure to show exceptional circumstances that support their release.

OFM News/Olebogeng Motse and Lucky Nkuyane