By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – The Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court has heard that murder accused Tshepang Mapiloko (36) intends to plead guilty in the brutal killing of 75-year old Frank Letlala of Phuthaditjhaba.
Mapiloko appeared calm when he made his second court appearance on Wednesday, 29 October, where he formally applied for bail following his arrest on 8 October 2025.
He was arrested at the scene of the crime after police were called by neighbours to house number 2286 in Phuthaditjhaba, where they found Letlala lying dead in a pool of blood.
Through an affidavit submitted by his legal representative, Mapiloko asked the court to consider that he has no previous convictions or pending cases, a fixed residential address, and that he is a self-employed mechanic. He argued that his detention has negatively affected his business, with several clients’ vehicles left unattended and his home unguarded.
The affidavit was accepted by the court and marked as Exhibit A. Mapiloko also told the court he could afford R1,000 for bail.
However, the state strongly opposed his release. Its first witness, Sergeant Teboho Rasenyalo, the investigating officer in the case, described a gruesome crime scene, saying the victim’s body was found lying in a pool of blood, with blood spattered across the walls and a hammer lying nearby.
“The deceased’s head appeared to have been struck and smashed with a hard object,” Rasenyalo testified.
He told the court that Mapiloko was found inside the house, his clothes soaked in blood, attempting to wash them.
Rasenyalo further revealed that the accused’s relatives had expressed fear for their safety should he be released on bail.
“They told me they are terrified he might harm them too,” he said, adding that Mapiloko has nowhere to stay as none of his family members are willing to accommodate him.“Community members are also against his release,” Rasenyalo added.
“They submitted a written petition, signed by residents, opposing his bail.”Bail Judgement has been reserved for November 5,2025.
