The murder trial of Siemens, who was murdered in cold blood in the parking lot of Preller Square in Bloemfontein in May 2018, has been postponed often for extended periods.

Six men are standing trial for the murder of Siemens, including the alleged murder mastermind, Stanley Bakili, who had dealings with the deceased.

Recently, the matter was postponed for accused 2 and Bayswater police detective Molebatsi Mogoera, to sort out his legal representation issues after his lawyer was suspended from serving. It's also understood that Bakili's lawyer has withdrawn from the case. He is now the second lawyer to withdraw from representing him since the matter was transferred to the High Court. 

Bakili wants the presiding Judge Pitso Molitsoane to withdraw from the case citing bias. Some of the suspects, including Bakili, were caught by the police in 2018 and have been denied bail on two accusations. Siemens was shot four times by two hitmen.  Xolisile Mbebetho, who is already serving a 22-year jail sentence. Another suspect, who is also a repeat offender, Mojalefa Jali Molusi, is among the six in custody.  

The court has been dealing with the matter since 2019 while the case began in 2018.

Some of the suspects, including Bakili, have been incarcerated since the day of the murder on 10 May 2018.

Suspects in the murder of Siemens include Bakili, Mogoera, former SANDF member Clive Tshivenga,  Molosi, disbarred advocate Karabo Tau, and Information Technology specialist Sizwe Mpati.

In March this year, Molitsoane discharged and acquitted a court orderly, Kagiso Chabane, and police captain, Moeketsi Lesia, on all charges against them.

OFM News