Court denies mother-daughter duo bail in brutal murder case
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Wednesday October 15, 2025 06:00
According to the charge sheet, the duo allegedly jointly and with a common purpose murdered Elicar Fana, who was Fana's mother and Onalenna's grandmother, in early June at Makobo village.
In his ruling on bail, Senior Magistrate Thapelo Buang stated that the accused persons had made numerous applications for bail during their court appearances since their arraignment.
Onalenna had cited her school-going children, who needed her support, and mentioned that the youngest child was unwell and required frequent medical check-ups.
On the one hand, Buang noted Onalenna’s concern that her children were left in the care of neighbours and friends who might not be able to look after them adequately.
On the other hand, Fana pleaded with the court, citing ill-health and explaining that she would be transferred to Letlhakane, a move she said would prevent any possible interference with witnesses.
Buang further noted that the relationship between the accused persons and the deceased made this no ordinary case.
He mentioned that on August 18, the accused appeared before a different magistrate, where the prosecution proposed stringent bail conditions due to not opposing the release of the accused persons on bail pending trial.
Following his order, Fana's brother Elliot Fana also testified briefly, expressing extreme distress, stating that he last saw the two accused persons mourning the death of his mother (Elicar).
Elliot also stated that the mother-daughter duo showed no remorse, is fearful of them, and is unsure of their intentions.
In determining whether to grant the duo bail, Buang considered the relationship between the accused persons and the complainant or victims, the impact of releasing the accused on bail on the complainant and the public, and whether the accused was justifiably remanded in custody.
Buang emphasised that this was no ordinary murder case, as the accused were facing prosecution for the murder of Fana's mother and Onalenna's grandmother, a 71-year-old woman who trusted them with her safety and protection.
The court found that the community, if not the whole country, was outraged by the senseless and hurtful actions of Fana and her daughter, Onalenna, he added.
Consequently, the application for bail pending trial was dismissed, and the accused were remanded in custody to await the case's committal to the High Court.
The mother-daughter duo will appear in court again on November 10 for a status update.