Kimberley Boys’ High School pupil Tshepiso Thompson was robbed of his clothes and sneakers and stabbed to death in Hulana Street in Vergenoeg in 2019.
THE TRIAL involving seven men who are accused of the murder of 16-year-old Kimberley Boys’ High School pupil Tshepiso Thompson in 2019 will proceed in March next year.
Tshepiso was robbed of his clothes and sneakers and stabbed to death in Hulana Street in Vergenoeg, while one of his friends was also stabbed during the incident.
The seven accused – Phemelo Matlakaka, Godfrey Mothibi, Khaya Ntsenge, George Mothibi, Lebogang Saal, Serame Ntsiane and Lebogang Masilo – appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Community members picketed outside the court in support of Tshepiso’s family. They called for the accused to remain in custody until the finalisation of the court case.
The accused are facing six charges of robbery, participating in a gang, attempted murder and murder.
Advocate Anel Stellenberg explained that the trial was unable to proceed as planned last week as two members of the defence counsel were attending to a matter in the Northern Cape High Court at the same time.
“The matter was partly heard and also involved several defence counsel,” Stellenberg said.
She added that the State was also unavailable as she, along with her family, had tested positive for Covid-19.
“I experienced a death in the family, where I had to bury my mother.”
She indicated that the first available dates for the trial were in March and April next year.
“There are between 10 to 12 State witnesses and it will take longer than a week to finalise.”
The legal representatives for the accused indicated that all their clients would apply for a Section 49 (G) application, which seeks to determine if a detainee can apply for release if they have been denied bail and their matters are taking longer than expected.
The accused will remain in custody until their next court appearance.
