Judgment is expected to be handed down to three suspects in the brutal murder of a queer activist at the Ga-Rankuwa Regional Court on Thursday (7/3). This was after the case was postponed on Monday (4/3). The three are facing charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, murder, malicious property damage, and defeating the ends of justice.

Sam Mbatha’s charred body was found on 10 January 2021 in a burnt-out vehicle near a football pitch in Ikageng, Potchefstroom. The judgment comes four years after his death.

“Arthur Khoza (19), Mahlatsi Nkuna (21), and Thato Mosetla (22) appeared at the Ga-Rankuwa Court and the State closed its case after leading evidence was presented through witnesses who testified on events leading to Mbatha’s death,” said North West NPA spokesperson, Henry Mamothame.

‘Two of the accused are out on bail’ 

“Mosetla was denied bail on 7 July 2022, after he initially abandoned it following his arrest. Meanwhile, Khoza and Nkuna are out on R500 bail each.”

NWU's deputy vice-chancellor, Robert Balfour, said the death of Sam came as a great shock to the institution and this is because he was well known, he was one of the student leaders before he became a member of staff. He was based on the Mahikeng campus.

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Investigations led police to a house near Ikageng where they found bloodstains on the floor, under and on top of a bed, as well as on the carpet. Additionally, an axe that was possibly utilised in this crime was discovered on top of the house's roof.

“DNA samples positively identified Sam Mbatha as the deceased person, whose body was found inside a burnt Hyundai i20 vehicle, at a soccer field in Ikageng Section on 10 January 2021,” said Mamothame.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame