Bronkhorstspruit – The Bronkhorstspruit Magistrates’ Court has granted bail to two learners from Lesedi Secondary School who are facing a charge of premeditated murder.
The accused 20-year-old Mlehalinye Montasi, a Grade 12 learner, was granted bail of R6 000, while his co-accused 19-year-old Kgotlhello Mathabathe, a Grade 10 learner, was granted bail of R3 000.
On the fateful day, 17 June 2025, the small town of Bronkhorstspruit, 50km east of Pretoria, Tshwane, was rocked by the fatal stabbing of Lethabo Mokonyane, a Grade 10 pupil.
Allegations were that after writing exams, Mokonyane was on his way to the school gate when the accused Montasi and Mathabathe accosted him.
A fight allegedly ensued, during which one of the accused restrained him while the other stabbed him multiple times with a sharp object.
Mokonyane was rushed to the hospital, where he died a few hours later.
In court, the accused applied for bail, citing the need to continue with their schooling.
Prosecutor Karabo Sebela opposed bail, arguing that Montasi was in the country illegally and therefore posed a flight risk.
She further submitted that both accused were known to the witnesses and may interfere with them.
The magistrate, nevertheless, granted the two learners bail, with strict conditions.
The conditions include that the accused must attend court proceedings until the finalisation of the trial, may not interfere, directly or indirectly, with witnesses, and must subject themselves to correctional supervision and comply with all imposed rules.
National Prosecuting Authority Gauteng Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the matter was adjourned to 10 October 2025.
