Nombulelo Pheko (34) and Motlatsi Ramosoeu (39) appeared in court on Tuesday (26/3) where they were remanded in custody until their next court appearance.

Pesa Pheko’s funeral service was held on Friday, 14 March, in the Simson Sefuthi Hall in N-Section Botshabelo, and a memorial service was held at Pacofs two days before.

“The accused in the killing of a well-known artist from Botshabelo appeared in court and their matter was postponed to allow for further investigations to 30 April,” said Free State NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane. “One of the accused in this case is the victim’s wife.

“The duo were previously charged with conspiracy to commit murder, but the charge was changed to murder following the confirmation of a DNA test.”

Pesa Pheko’s DNA was recently confirmed from the burnt body of an unknown male discovered in July near the town of Dealesville. DNA extracted from the body matched a family member of Pheko’s.

Free State World reports Pheko’s older brother Khausu Pheko will open a case against the Department of Correctional Services after a correctional services vehicle that was transporting the accused, Nombulelo Pheko, allegedly stopped to allow her to speak to her family and a sangoma.

“We believe that the sangomas and family members allegedly wanted to give Nombulelo something, and from what I know, after cases, Correctional Services vehicles should go straight to their facility where prisoners are kept,” said Pheko.

“We are getting frustrated with the postponements of the case, we hope that next time when we come to court, they will tell us when the trial will start because since December they’ve been postponing.”

Pheko was reported missing by his family on 10 July. He was last seen leaving his home in L-Section Botshabelo to travel to Bloemfontein by public transport for a hospital appointment.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg