Xolisi Botha Mbebetho, key witness for the state, took the stand in the Bloemfontein High Court on Monday and testified about the role that each of the accused played in the assassination. Siemens was gunned down on 10 May 2018 in the basement parking of the Preller Square shopping centre. 

Mbebetho testified about how Bakili – who stands accused of being the mastermind behind the killing – stalked Siemens while plotting the murder. Security was beefed up in the courtroom for Mbebetho’s testimony and he told Judge Pitso Molitsoane that he and Bakili stalked Siemens at his place of residence and work for at least two days before the shooting. 

He said at one point they drove to Siemens' neighbourhood, planning to shoot him at his residence, but they had to abandon the plan as they were interrupted by a concerned resident. Mbebetho said Bakili said at one point he had a friend who worked at the Bayswater Police Station who would lend him a gun.  

He said on the day of the murder he convinced Bakili to let him bring accused number four - Mojalefa Molusi - to help him with the driving as he had concerns about his own driving skills. The case will continue on Tuesday.

OFM News