By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – Ten people, including a Dikwena Secondary School principal, charged with murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm will wait another eight days for a possible trial date to be set.
The accused appeared briefly before the Phuthaditjhaba Regional Court on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, following the transfer of their case from the magistrate’s court in November 2025.
The accused are Joseph Nhlapo, Thabiso Donald Mollo, Sello Keletso, Jabulane Borotho, Joseph Thabo Mabe, Malerata Mantwa Mahlatsi, Nthabeleng Leete, Dija Millwa, Lucia Tladi and Mpho Miya.
They are linked to the killing of 27-year-old Mpho Mokoena, whose body was discovered on Friday, 16 May 2025.
Mokoena was allegedly assaulted after being accused of breaking into Dikwena Secondary School and stealing food from the school feeding scheme.
The magistrate’s court previously granted the accused bail of R5 000 each.
The matter was postponed to allow for the availability of the docket in court and for legal representatives to consult with their clients. The court is also expected to announce a trial date at the next appearance.
The accused are due back in court on Wednesday, 28 January 2026.
Meanwhile, police confirmed that Mokoena’s body was found covered with blankets on a wheelbarrow near the school and was declared dead at the scene by emergency medical services.
