The two accused abandoned their bail application on Friday (26/9), and they were remanded in custody. Nombulelo Pheko (34) and Motlatsi Ramosoeu (39) are charged with the murder of Botshabelo artist Pesa Pheko. 

The duo is facing one count of murder and two counts of conspiracy to commit murder. At the previous court appearance on Friday, 5 September, the case was postponed due to outstanding documents requested by the defence. 

The defence received these, and a trial date was set for the case. 

“The applicants have abandoned their application for bail; it is a strategic move to rather proceed with the trial as soon as possible,” said Adv. Allen Simpson, who represents Pheko and Ramosoeu.

Pesa Pheko 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.

“We are happy now that we are going to trial and that they both abandoned their bail,” said Khausu Pheko, Pesa Pheko’s brother. What we need is justice for Pesa, and we want the perpetrators to rot in jail for the rest of their lives for what they did.

“Not only them but their accomplices as well, who worked with them, should also rot in jail. In the case that we had where they tried to bribe correctional services people, a hearing will take place next week.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh