By Thys Khiba – This week, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, sitting in Benoni, found Ntokozo Zikhali not guilty of Poo’s murder.
The 28-year-old accused was charged with kidnapping, murder, violation of a corpse and defeating the ends of justice after Poo was kidnapped from Masoleng Park in Wattville, Benoni, on 9 October 2022.
Pretoria High Court
The 4-year-old Bokgabo was raped and killed, and residents later discovered parts of her mutilated body in Tamboville, also in Gauteng’s East Rand.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson LumkaMahanjana said the State has accepted a court ruling which acquitted Zikhali.
“The state therefore accepts the court’s ruling, although it is understandable that it leaves the family and the community devastated that they did not get the closure and justice they hoped for,” said Mahanjana said.
Mahanjana indicated that in circumstances where the NPA relies on evidence that is inconclusive and thus ruled inadmissible, the only appropriate ruling by the court is acquittal.
Meanwhile, the accused was charged based on two case dockets.
The first docket was of rape of a 9-year-old, where it was alleged that on 08 August 2021, the minor was playing with her friends in the park in Tamboville, when Zikhali approached her, picked her up and took her to a dam, where he raped her and ran away.
“Zikhali was linked to this offence through DNA evidence. After that incident Zikhali was arrested and released on bail,” said Mahanjana.
He pleaded guilty to the charge of rape of the 9-year-old girl and pleaded not guilty to all other charges.
The matter was postponed to 10 August 2023, for sentencing proceedings, following the conviction on rape.
The state presented a video footage showinng Zikhali and the 4-year-old walking in close proximity of each other.
Further, the state also relied on a confession and Zikhali’spointing out of scene.
The court rejected all this evidence.
“The court found that the pointing out process was not procedural, as the accused person was not properly read his rights, and therefore the judge ruled against the admissibility of that evidence.”
The judge ruled against admissibility of that evidence as it was taken as coercion.
“Furthermore, the investigator who took down the confession statement of the accused, testified in court that when the accused was making the confession statement, he had bruises on his body and had told him that he was assaulted prior to making the statement,” Mahanjana said.
The court saw a video footage of Zikhali walking away from the park with Poor and concluded that it was inconclusive, and therefore was not proof beyond reasonable doubt against the accused.
@centralnewsza
_________________________________________
Central News offers sponsored articles, Print Media, Social Media Marketing, Door To Door Pamphlet Distribution, display branding partnerships, podcast services, newsletters, live streaming , Radio & Television Content Development and paid interviews.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #fscentralnews #nwcentralnews #gautengcentralnews
CENTRAL NEWS
Central News Issue 016 | Download the latest weekly edition| Top Story : “ANC removes ‘corrupt’ DA mayor in Metsimaholo Municipality”
Central News Issue 016: Download the latest weekly edition of Central News Print and Digital Newspaper. Top Stories : “ANC removes ‘corrupt’ DA mayor in Metsimaholo Municipality“
Download Here:
Read our latest publication on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues/