Central SA
Bail granted to Botshabelo artist murder accused─── ZENANDE MPAME 13:27 Fri, 24 Oct 2025
The trial of two men accused of the killing of a Bloemfontein artist has been scheduled from Monday, 23 February to Monday, 6 March in the High Court in Bloemfontein.
Nombulelo Pheko (34) was granted bail of R25,000, and Motlatsi Ramosoeu (39) bail of R5,000 on Friday (24/10) under strict conditions. Pheko must report to the police station three times a week, and he’s forbidden from having any contact with state witnesses.
Ramosoeu is prohibited from interfering with any witnesses and must report to the police station once a week. Charged with the murder of Botshabelo artist Pesa Pheko, they are facing one count of murder and two counts of conspiracy to commit murder.
“The bail appeal of Ramosoeu and Mrs. Pheko, both appearing in the High Court in connection with the disappearance of Mr. Pheko, has been successful,” said Adv. Allen Simpson, who represents Pheko and Ramosoeu.
“The court upheld their bail appeal after careful consideration of the arguments presented. They were granted bail under strict conditions.
“The main trial is still to proceed from February … to the beginning of March.”
Pheko and Ramasoeu abandoned their bail application in September, and they were remanded in custody. 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.
Charges against the accused:
- 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.
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