Poortjie double murder case postponed as suspects seek legal representation

The case against five suspects accused of the kidnapping and murder of two women in Poortjie, south of Johannesburg, has been postponed at the Vereeniging Magistrate's Court. The postponement was granted to provide the group with sufficient time to seek legal representation.

"May their right to legal representation be explained to them, your worship it’s an opposed schedule six application life imprisonment is applicable in this matter" said Prosecutor Leanie Rainier.

The suspects, identified as Paseka and Tshepo Makobashane, Thabo Difeto, Aute Motsapi, and Sive Gwinise, made their first appearance in the dock on Thursday. During the court proceedings, it emerged that only one of the accused is a South African citizen, while the remaining four are Lesotho nationals who are allegedly in the country illegally.

The group faces several serious charges, including two counts of murder, kidnapping, and robbery with aggravating circumstances. Additionally, they are charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm and being in the country illegally.

The victims, Nontokozo Mazibuko and Andiswa Sontangane, were reported missing on New Year’s Eve. Their bodies were discovered in a state of decomposition in an open field in Poortjie on January 8th.