By Teboho Moloi
QWA QWA – The mother of murdered farm victim, 20-year-old Celemuzi Hlatswayo, whose half-burnt body was discovered in a donga along the Clarens route days after he was reported missing, has pleaded with authorities to secure a conviction and life imprisonment for those responsible for her son’s brutal killing.
Ana Hlatswayo (40) said although the suspects linked to her son’s murder remain behind bars, the family is desperate for the case to be finalised without further delays.
The five accused — Malefetsane Mokoena, Oupa Mofokeng, Mahlape Mokoena, Kgalemang Masaballa and Lomile Hlolloane — briefly appeared again at the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 09 May, where the matter was postponed to 24 June. The accused have all been denied bail.
“What hurts us most as a family is seeing these people every time we come to court, knowing we will never see our son again,” said Ana.
“We want justice. They must be locked away for what they did so their families also know the pain of losing them.”
The accused face Schedule 6 charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder with a common purpose.
The State requested the postponement pending a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on whether the matter should be transferred to the regional or high court, as well as whether additional charges may be added.
During previous proceedings, the court heard that investigations were nearing completion after police obtained cellphone records allegedly linking accused one and accused five on the day of the incident, with only a few outstanding statements remaining.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Mapitori Matale previously told the court that Celemuzi was allegedly lured to a house in Matsikeng by his girlfriend — one of the accused — under false pretences that she and her child had been evicted and needed assistance.
Police allege the story was fabricated.
During the bail application, accused one, Malefetsane Mokoena, claimed he had no previous convictions or pending cases and intended pleading not guilty to all charges.
However, Matale disputed the claims, telling the court that Mokoena allegedly lied in his affidavit as he has previous convictions for two assault cases and theft.
Co-accused Oupa Mofokeng, Mahlape Mokoena and Kgalemang Masaballa also indicated their intention to plead not guilty, while expressing willingness to turn State witnesses.
Accused five, Lomile Hlolloane — a teacher by profession and spouse to accused one — also intends pleading not guilty despite allegations that her vehicle was used during the commission of the crime.
It remains unclear how many witnesses are expected to testify once the trial begins.
