THREE MEN ACCUSED OF MURDER ABANDON BAIL APPLICATION
Three men accused of murder, Answer Bongani Chauke (22), Ignatius Mahlogonolo Chabangu (21) and Tshepang Titus Bilankulu(18), abandoned their bail application at the Mamelodi Magistrates’ Court earlier today. The three are facing charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder of an 18-year-old man, Mabutho Jenamo from Mamelodi.
It is alleged that on 16 January 2023, the deceased was walking back from school, Reneilwe Community Learning Centre with his three other friends, when they met the accused persons. It is alleged that when one of the accused pulled out a knife, the deceased friends ran however, the three accused grabbed the deceased and requested him to hand over his phone to them. They proceeded to assault and stab him in the neck with a knife.
It is alleged that the deceased started running, however, the accused chased after him and tried to stab him again from the back but was blocked by the backpack the deceased was carrying. At that time, it is alleged that the deceased cell phone fell, and one of the accused picked it up and sold it to a friend, where it was recovered by the police.
The victim was taken to hospital where he collapsed and died. All the accused were arrested on the day of the incident and have been in custody since. In court, the prosecutor Adv. Lizelle September, told the court that the state intended to oppose their bail application, however, the three abandoned the application.
The matter was postponed to 30 March 2023, for further investigations.
