The decision to move the case to the High Court was taken on Friday (18/7) by the Botshabelo Magistrate’s Court for a decision on a trial.

Nombulelo Pheko (34) and Motlatsi Ramosoeu (39) have been charged with the murder of a Botshabelo artist, Pesa Pheko.

“The duo is facing one count of murder and two counts of conspiracy to commit murder,” said Adv. Allen Simpson. “The matter has been transferred from the Botshabelo District Court to the Bloemfontein High Court for a pre-trial conference.”

Pesa Pheko (37) was reported missing by his family in July last year. He was last seen leaving his home in L Section, Botshabelo, to travel to Bloemfontein by public transport for a hospital appointment.

Pheko’s DNA was confirmed from the burnt body of an unknown male discovered in July near the town of Dealesville in the western Free State. DNA extracted from the body matched a family member of Pheko’s.

The charges against the accused are:

Count 1 – Conspiracy to commit murder: Between March and August 2023, near Botshabelo, the accused intentionally conspired with an individual to procure the murder of Pesa Pheko and Sanna Pheko, his mother.

Count 2 – Conspiracy to commit murder: In September 2023, near Fleurdal Mall, the accused conspired with another individual and others to aid in the murder of Pesa Pheko and Sanna Pheko.

Count 3 – Murder: In July last year, in the district of Dealesville, the accused did unlawfully and intentionally kill Pesa Pheko, and the death of the deceased resulted from physical abuse and was premeditated.

“The Director of Public Prosecutions requests the … court to sentence the accused in accordance with the law,” said the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Moseme Lencoe, “bearing in mind that the High Court of South Africa has the inherent jurisdiction to impose a sentence of life imprisonment.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg