Three of the four suspects in the murder of Sam Mbatha – whose charred body was found in a burnt-out car and only positively identified through DNA – have been released on bail of R500 each.
DNA samples positively identified Mbatha, as the deceased person whose body was found inside a burnt Hyundai i20 vehicle at a soccer field in Ikageng Section on 10 January 2021.
The 24-year-old Mbatha was last seen on the 16th of June last year.
Police said they were able to trace the deceased’s family through information registered to the burnt car.
The Ga-Rankuwa Magistrates Court on Wednesday granted bail to the three murder accused, 19-year-old Arthur Khoza, 21-year-old Junior Modise, and 21-year-old Mahlatsi Nkuna.
However, a fourth murder accused 22-year-old Thato Masetla abandoned his bail application.
Their bail conditions are that they must report at the Klipgat Police Station every Wednesday and Sunday between 17:00 and 18:00, and they are also barred from interfering with the states witnesses.
Recounting events leading to the arrest of the four suspects, Henry Mamothame, NPA spokesperson in the North West said: “Police investigations led them to a house in the Phutha section, Klipgat on Monday, 21 June 2021.”
Mamothame added: “The house was searched and they found bloodstains on the floor, under and on top of a bed as well as on the carpet.
“Furthermore, an axe suspected to have been used during the commission of this crime was found on top of the roof of the house.”
Mamothame said the state is waiting for authorisation from the Director of Public Prosecutions to transfer the case to the High Court of South Africa; North West Division.
The matter was postponed to 02 February 2022.
The court appearance of the murder suspects coincided with a memorial for Mbatha, where he was described as a hardworking local television presenter and marketing professional.
Mbatha will be laid to rest on Friday.
