Suspected Klipgat Murders to know their fate on Thursday

The High Court of South Africa, North West Division, sitting at the Ga-Rankuwa Regional Court, has postponed the murder case against Arthur Khoza (19), Mahlatsi Nkuna (21), and Thato Mosetla (22) to Thursday, 07 March 2024, for judgment. These young individuals are facing a slew of charges including robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, murder, malicious damage to property, and defeating the ends of justice. These charges stem from the harrowing death of Sam Mbatha (24).

The state, represented by Adv Nangamso Goloda, has closed its case after presenting evidence from witnesses who testified about the events leading up to Mbatha’s demise. The trio was apprehended following a thorough investigation by the police, linking them to Mbatha’s murder. Notably, police investigations led them to a house in the Phutha section near Klipgat on Monday, 21 June 2021. Inside the house, bloodstains were discovered on the floor, under and on top of a bed, as well as on a carpet. Additionally, an axe suspected to have been used during the commission of the crime was found atop the roof of the house. DNA samples confirmed Sam Mbatha as the deceased individual, whose body was found inside a burnt Hyundai i20 vehicle at a soccer field in Ikageng Section on 10 January 2021.

Thato Mosetla was denied bail on 07 July 2022, after initially abandoning it following his arrest. Meanwhile, Arthur Khoza and Mahlatsi Nkuna are currently out on R500 bail each.

The Ga-Rankuwa Regional Court now awaits the judgment date to determine the fate of the accused individuals in this tragic case that has shocked the community.