By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – A 29-year-old man accused of killing and setting alight an unidentified woman in a shack near Setsing Shopping Complex is facing a Schedule 6 murder charge in a case that has shocked the local community.
Lerato Martin Dladla, from Kudumane village, appeared briefly before the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 29 July, and again on Thursday, 6 August, following the alleged killing on Saturday evening, 25 July.
According to police, Dladla allegedly stabbed the 27-year-old woman several times before throwing her onto a fire inside a shack reportedly frequented by nyaope users.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said the alleged attack was witnessed by another person, who managed to escape and alert police officers patrolling the area.
Mophiring said police were alerted at about 22:00 and immediately launched a search for the suspect, but could not find him that night.
According to the police account, Dladla allegedly arrived at the shack with the woman, where they were warming themselves around a fire fuelled by burning plastic.
“The suspect allegedly stabbed the victim several times with a sharp object before throwing her onto the fire. He allegedly continued feeding the fire by placing cardboard boxes on top of her,” said Mophiring.
The eyewitness allegedly attempted to flee but was threatened by Dladla before eventually managing to escape.
Police said Dladla was arrested less than 24 hours later after he was allegedly found hiding at a relative’s house in Bluegumbosch.
The court postponed the matter to Thursday, 13 August, when Dladla is expected to formally apply for bail. Through his legal representative, he informed the court that he has a previous conviction for robbery.
Meanwhile, the identity of the deceased woman remains unknown, leaving police unable to trace her family.
Police have appealed to residents who may know of a woman reported missing or who may have information about her identity to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Phuthaditjhaba Detective Service Warrant Officer Mathibela on 082 554 3461, or the Phuthaditjhaba Community Service Centre on 072 564 3200.
