The Extension II Magistrate's Court has denied 28-year-old Kelebelle Babantsho bail despite the State's non-opposal for her plea to await trial outside jail. Babantsho stands accused of allegedly fatally stabbing her boyfriend, Maatla Merakeng, with a sharp object on April 4, 2025, at Old Naledi.
Following the incident, Merakeng was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital after he was rushed for medical attention.
Appearing before court today, Prosecutor Happy Riddin stated that investigations on the matter are still ongoing.
He, however, told the court that they were not against the idea of the accused being granted bail.
“This matter will be transferred to the DPP (Directorate of Public Prosecutions). The accused is remanded in custody and we aren't against her being granted bail,” Riddin said.
Magistrate Keabetswe Majuta was quick to interject stating that she was only holding fort for the substantive magistrate, Kamogelo Mmesi.
“Let's leave all that to the substantive magistrate who will decide on that,” Majuta said.
“I can't grant the accused bail despite you saying that.”
The accused has since pleaded with the magistrate for bail to be granted.
“I am really pleading with the court {for me} to wait for trial outside and I promise to oblige by the court rules,” Babantsho said.
In response, Magistrate Majuta told the accused that her hands were tied in the matter.
“You can state your case before the substantive magistrate on bail hearing on the next mention,” Majuta said.
Babantsho will return to court on May 15 for a bail hearing before the substantive magistrate. The case continues.
