Gantsi murder accused await judgment

Tumelo Mouwane | Tuesday March 7, 2017 16:55

 

The two face four counts of rape, robbery, murder and arson. Both the prosecution and defence teams made final submissions before Lobatse High Court Judge Abednego Tafa on Thursday.

Attorneys Gijima Archibald and Themba Joina represented Kgalelo and Mpe respectively whilst Lezibo Emang of Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) represented the state.

The duo who were employed at Vorsters Farm, are alleged to have on January 31, 2014 at the same farm, raped Reinette Vorster. In another count, they are alleged to have used violence when robbing Vorster of a Toyota Hilux valued at P300,000, two cellphones and cash amounting to P11,000.

The state alleges that the duo proceeded to murder Vorster before burning her remains in the Toyota Hilux.

The two also face a count of arson where they are alleged to have burnt the said vehicle before running away on foot. Kgalalelo was arrested on February 3 at Vorster’s farm, with Mmika arrested the following day.

Trial took place on July 26 to 28 where several witnesses told their side of the story.

In his oral submissions, Attorney Joina said the state did not link his client (Mpe) to the offence as the prosecutors and witnesses failed to lead evidence.

“I submit that the state inadequacy to lead evidence and link my client to the offence was fatal.

They failed to prove a case against my client (Mpe), they relied on confessions which do not qualify to be credible evidence,' he said.