Central SA
Suspected murderer of Bloemfontein teacher reserves right to apply for bail – VIDEOS─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 17:00 Wed, 26 Jun 2024
“The magistrate emphasised the matter was of public interest, referencing the scores of people who gathered outside the court in support of Moalasi’s family and friends.”
The case against the suspected murderer and boyfriend of the late Tsoseletso High School teacher has been postponed to Wednesday (3/7).
The accused, Stephen Songezo (42), appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday morning (26/6).
Through his defence lawyers, Songezo announced that he is reserving his right to apply for bail at this stage. Before the court proceedings began, a squabble erupted between the media and court officials. The media was initially denied access to the court despite having applied for coverage. This decision sparked a heated debate, culminating in the media being granted access to the courtroom.
The accused requested privacy and that the media not be allowed to cover the case. Video: Kekeletso Mosebetsi
The presiding magistrate addressed the issue, noting that Songezo had requested privacy and that the media not be allowed to cover the case. However, this application was dismissed. The magistrate emphasised the matter was of public interest, referencing the scores of people who gathered outside the court in support of Moalasi's family and friends.
OFM News previously reported that Mpho Moalasi's body was found with several injuries on Sunday (16/6). The discovery came after her younger brother, Tsediso Mahlanyane (32), received a distressing call from Moalasi around 00:30 that morning. When he tried to call her back, the call went straight to voicemail. Sensing something was amiss, Mahlanyane went to her residence in Rocklands and found her car missing. He subsequently reported her missing at the Kagisanong Police Station.
On 17 June, around 06:45, the police received information about a woman’s body found along the Dewetsdorp Road. It was later confirmed to be the missing Moalasi.
Moalasi’s family and friends in court. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi
Police investigations led them to a house in Phase 2, where Songezo, Moalasi’s boyfriend, resides. Moalasi's car was also found at the location. Members of the Park Road Tactical Response Unit were called to the scene and discovered Songezo hiding under his bed. He was arrested.
The deceased’s younger brother, Tsediso Mahlanyane. Video: Kekeletso Mosebetsi
Mahlanyane stated that he did not know Songezo well and only knew him as a DJ who had been dating his sister.
“As time went on, we saw this guy was not a good guy because he would have bad arguments with my sister and even physically fight her. So what is happening now is very hurtful to us as a family. We are not coping at all, actually we are hurt.”
Simphiwe Macdonald Masithela (39). Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi
Meanwhile, Simphiwe Macdonald Masithela (39) made his appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court – shortly after Songenzo – also for the alleged murder of his girlfriend Bongiwe Phumbala, reported at the Kopanong Police Station on Sunday (23/6). His case was postponed to Tuesday (2/7) for a formal bail application. Both suspects have remained in custody.
