The murder case against the man accused of killing 28-year-old Tshegofatso Pule has been postponed in his absentia due to a date mix-up at the Roodepoort Magistrates Court, west of Johannesburg.
The date on Muzikayise Malephane’s charge sheet was allegedly listed as July 23 and not 9 July.
He was arrested days after Pule, who was eight months pregnant, was found hanging from a tree with multiple stab wounds in June.
Malephane made a brief virtual appearance in June before the matter was postponed to Thursday last week, after he abandoned his bid for legal aid.
Suspect appears in court for Tshegofatso Pule’s murder:
However, the case did not sit last week due to the closure of the court for disinfection after a police officer stationed there tested positive for COVID-19.
Pule’s murder sparked a public outcry.
She was laid to rest at the Roodepoort Cemetery.
During her funeral service, men were urged to end the abuse and murder of women.
Pule’s funeral service is in the video below:
Pule’s murder is among many tragedies South Africa has seen in recent days.
The Commission for Gender Equality says it is disgusted at the high rate of gender-based violence that the country is currently facing.
The Commission’s Spokesperson Jabu Baloyi called on all men in South Africa to stand up against the scourge.
