Investigator Pieter Myburgh let it slip while undergoing cross-examination in the Senekal Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, that the state witness who was threatened recently whilst attending a funeral in Phuthaditjhaba - located over 117km from Paul Roux - identified the messenger of the threat as accused number 2 Sekola Matlaletsa’s brother-in-law.  

OFM News’ Olebogeng Motse reports that Myburgh’s revelation drew fierce criticism from Matlaletsa’s legal counsel.

Attorney Machini Motloung chastised Myburgh for only disclosing the information that Matlaletsa’s brother-in-law was suspected of intimidating witnesses during Tuesday’s proceedings. Further adding that the investigating officer has carelessly unveiled the identity of the suspect in that incident. 

Magistrate Deon van Rooyen questioned Myburgh on the reasoning behind making the revelation today. The investigator said that investigations into the Phuthaditjhaba incident are still at a sensitive stage, but noted there were significant developments.

The respective parties are now delivering their closing arguments before proceedings are adjourned for the day.

Last week Friday, OFM News reported that the investigating officer told Magistrate Van Rooyen that the postmortem results showed that Horner was stabbed in his head, shoulders, and hands but the cause of death was in fact strangulation. The duo was apprehended on Saturday 3 October by Senekal detectives at Fateng-tse-Ntho in Paul Roux. The arrest came after Horner's body was found at an open space at the De Rots farm two days prior to the arrest. The deceased’s Toyota Hilux was found by police abandoned near Duikfontein Farm with bloodstains inside. The state stresses that the release of the duo on bail will result in outrage and unrest in the area. This is a point both Kgoelenya and Motloung have disputed in their cross-examinations.

Myburgh conceded when cross-examined by Kgoelenya on behalf of Mahlamba that the bloodstained clothes and knife that were found inside a freezer located at Mahlamba’s alleged shack, is still undergoing forensic testing. This means there is no DNA evidence as yet linking the accused to the crime. Thus, at this stage, the state’s case hinges on testimonies from eyewitnesses who allege to have overheard the duo confessing to “stabbing a white man who gave them trouble”. The defence maintains the state’s case is baseless and circumstantial at best.

OFM News