The Free State's regional spokesperson of the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), Phaladi Shuping, confirms that Mackenzie Ratselane, who is in custody for kidnapping and stabbing his wife multiple times, is on Thursday applying for bail after few months in custody. Mackenzie abandoned the bail plea in February 2021 during his second court appearance after he was nabbed at his hiding place in Ennerdale in Gauteng. It's alleged that Mackenzie stabbed his wife Dimakatso in February in Bloemfontein, where she was later found lying in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds around the Caleb Motshabi informal settlement.

Mackenzie and Dimakatso are said to have quarrelled on their way to fetch their children in phase 2. She was later found by friends and residents in the Dinaweng area near a popular tavern and was subsequently sent to Pelonomi Netcare Hospital.

McKenzie, who is accused of stabbing Dimakatso Ratselane, will stand trial on 7 and 8 September 2021 at the Regional Court. His case was postponed in May 2021 at the Regional Court and he is yet to plead on the charges of attempted murder, assault, kidnapping, and the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. McKenzie and his new legal counsel previously told the Regional Court in Bloemfontein that he wants to plead guilty to all other charges, except the attempted murder of his wife.

Meanwhile, the family of Dimakatso are present in court to show support for their sister and beloved one.

The EFF is also outside the court with placards to picket against the bail application of Mackenzie.

OFM News