During the continuation of the murder trial in the Free State High Court on Tuesday, the shooter, Xolisile Botha Mbebetho, told the court that except for accused number 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8, accused 1 and 4 knows deep down that they were involved in the murder of CityMed boss. 

This, as Dawie Reyneke, who is representing accused number 4, Mojalefa Jali Molosi, accused the shooter that he was falsely implicating his client and that he was also trying to get back at accused number 1, Stanley Bakili. 

Mbebetho, who is serving a 22-year jail term, said Bakili and Molosi know deep down that they were involved in the execution plan of Siemens which took place at the Preller Square basement parking in broad daylight on 10 May 2018. 

This emanated in a heated argument that Mbebetho had given contradictory versions on what happened prior to and after the killing of Siemens.

He told the court that Bakili had promised him R200 000 for the execution of Siemens and he later included Molosi in his plans because he needed driving expertise. The defence for the accused during cross-examination has tried to paint the latter's testimony as contradictory and not credible.

This as his testimony was riddled by contradictions stemming from sworn statements he had after his arrest, a statement he made before the Magistrate and also the testimony in chief in the High Court.

The latter has, however, absolved himself from all those contradictory statements by blaming all officials and at some point, this led to his anger and frustration. In 2020, during his testimony, Mbebetho admitted in court that he was bitter and wanted to get back at Bakili.

After the murder of Siemens, the trio met at the Windmill Casino but they were never to see each other again as Bakili allegedly disappeared into thin air. Bakili was, later that day, arrested while the two assassins were also arrested a few months later.

The trial continues on Wednesday with another state witness expected to take to the stand.

OFM News