![[File Image] Nthuthuko Shoba appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court, west of Johannesburg.](https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Shoba-3.png)
The cross examination of the alleged mastermind in the Tshegofatso Pule murder trial is expected to resume in the High Court in Johannesburg.
Ntuthuko Shoba, who was Pule’s lover at the time of her murder, alleges he did not attend Pule’s funeral because of threats from her family.
Her body was found hanging from a tree at Durban Deep in Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg, in June 2020. She was eight months pregnant.
Shoba is on trial for her murder.
On Tuesday, Shoba also read out some Whatsapp messages between him and Pule, which painted a picture that although there were some disagreements and quarrels, he never wanted her to abort the baby.
Orders to kill
On Monday, Shoba has denied that he gave convicted murderer Muzi Malepane any orders to kill Pule.
Malepane admitted to killing Pule but said it was under Shoba’s orders. Shoba has denied that he gave convicted murderer Malepane any orders to kill Pule. Shoba says he only contacted Malepane for cigarettes as they were banned during the hard lockdown.
“I wouldn’t even call it a relationship, he was an acquaintance. I got his number from my friend Sbusiso, Swagger because I wanted cigarettes. I met with Muzi on the 4th of June 2020 to buy cigarettes . I arrived in my vehicle, I parked at his house and he came out. He gave me a carton,” says Shoba.
Tshegofatso Pule Murder | Convicted killer Muzi Malepane admits to being paid R70 000 for the hit:
Additional reporting by Pearl Magubane.
![[File Image]: Graphic depiction of crime scene](https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SABC-News-Police-Investigation-@SAPoliceService-1-750x423-1-1-120x86.png)
