Tshegofatso Pule’s relatives say they are happy that the case of the alleged mastermind behind her killing, has been transferred to the High Court in Johannesburg for a pre-trial hearing on Friday.
Nthuthuko Shoba, appeared briefly in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court, west of Johannesburg, on Tuesday where his case was postponed for the pre-trial hearing.
GLD: The Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court has ruled that Ntuthuko Shoba be detained at Jhb prison in a single cell, after he applied to remain in custody at the Krugersdorp Police Station. Shoba is accused of #TshegofatsoPule‘s murder#IntimateFemicide pic.twitter.com/uJmOpOgRc6
— NPASouthAfrica (@NPA_Prosecutes) May 25, 2021
The 32-year-old Shoba was arrested at his home in Florida earlier this year, after the man convicted of the murder of Pule, Muzikayise Malephane, entered into a plea agreement with the state to testify against Shoba.
Correctional Officer, Mr Lesetja Masenya, explained to the court that sentenced prisoners and awaiting trial detainees are kept at different buildings in Jhb prison. Shoba and Malephane (serving sentence) therefore cannot meet or have access to each other pic.twitter.com/OyNERYe7MY
— NPASouthAfrica (@NPA_Prosecutes) May 25, 2021
In June last year, 28-year-old Pule’s body was found in an open veld in Roodepoort. She was eight months pregnant at the time.
“We are happy that finally there is progress with regards to this case. Like I say, we can’t really fault the state much up to this point. They have really done a lot to make sure there was a progress. But it’s the defence that has always caused the delays. But nonetheless at least its another mile stone for the state and lets wait for Friday to see how the case will go and hopefully the new legal team will be there,” says Pule’s uncle, Tumisang Katake.
Shoba is detained in a single cell at the Johannesburg prison.
He had applied for this, saying he fears for his life after he became aware of Malephane’s threats to harm him.