According to a source, a Bayswater police detective Molebatsi Mogoera died on Tuesday 4 July 2023 after being admitted to the Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital. Mogoera was accused in the murder of Siemens who was shot on 10 May 2018 at the parking lot of Preller Square. Mogoera was arrested in 2018 for his alleged involvement in the murder and has been in custody since his arrest. Mogoera and the alleged mastermind, Stanley Bakili, among others have been denied bail on several occasions by the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court and the Free State High Court.

ALSO READ – #PrellerSquareShooting: Application by Siemens accused denied

The trial has been postponed to January 2024 following lengthy delays which hampered the progression of the trial. When the trial resumes next year, the accused are set to enter the witness box and explain the chain of events in their version. 

In March last year, Judge Pitso Molitsoane discharged and acquitted two accused in the murder case. A court orderly, Kagiso Chabane, and police captain, Moeketsi Lesia, were acquitted on all charges against them.

ALSO READ – #PrellerSquareShooting: Two murder suspects discharged

The accused, including Bakili, a Bayswater police detective, a member of the South African National Defense Force, a disbarred advocate, an IT specialist, and a repeat offender, are set to stand trial. Siemens was shot dead in broad daylight in the parking lot of the Preller Square shopping complex in Bloemfontein by confessed shooter Xolisile Mbebetho, who is currently serving a 22-year life term. Mbebetho confessed that he shot Siemens at least four times.

During the last session, OFM News reported that Bakili's legal representative, Masilo Koenane, had recused himself from representing his client. Phineas Mokoena, a legal aid lawyer, is now representing Bakili.

ALSO READ – Siemens Murder Trial: Alleged mastermind's lawyer withdraws

Since the trial started on 28 October 2019, 41 people took the stand, including high-profile government officials such as Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, the Free State Health HOD David Motau, and former provincial Health MEC Benny Malakoane. They denied having any involvement or knowledge of bribes being paid by Bakili on behalf of the deceased for the amendment of CityMed’s hospital licenses to allow for more beds. 81 documents have been submitted in court as exhibits.

OFM News