MOGAU Mashegwana was allegedly hit with a handy gas bottle on the head and she collapsed and died.
The 30-year-old's bed was then lit and the whole house burned down.
This was the confession made by the accused, Sibusiso Mhlanga (29) when he was arrested. He appeared for the second day of his bail application in the KwaMhlanga Magistrates Court in Mpumalanga on Tuesday, 19 March.
He is accused of killing and burning Mogau at her house in Moloto on 31 March 2023.
Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Desmond Khwedi continued on the stand on Tuesday and told the court: "The accused went to the victim's house. He knocked on the window and door many times and there was no response. He continued knocking until the deceased opened the door.
"Upon entering the house, the accused found another man. A fight ensued. The deceased tried to separate them. The accused then hit Mogau with the gas bottle on the head. Both men checked her pulse. They realised she was dead and they both decided to burn the house to destroy evidence. In the confession statement, the accused mentioned that they both took the decision to avoid being arrested."
ALSO READ | 'Parents split' leads to teens death
Khwedi told the court the accused is a flight risk. He said he doesn't have immovable property. "He can go into hiding and his family can always visit him there. He will have nothing to worry about behind," he said.
He said a witness saw the accused come out of the house running.
"He admitted that the house was burnt. The state relies on four grounds that the accused shouldn't get bail. He will evade trial because of the nature of the case. So, the accused mustn't be given bail," he said.
The defence lawyer told the court that his client never made any confession to the cops.
"My client was forced to sign a prepared statement. He never made any threats to witnesses. The state doesn't have any records on how the house got burnt. The court must look at whether the accused is a threat to the community,” said the defence lawyer.
"It must also look if he is a flight risk. He will not undermine the court and evade trial. Strong evidence doesn't mean he shouldn't get bail. The prosecutor said the state has a very strong case against the accused."
The matter was postponed to 5 April.
For more news and entertainment at the palm of your hand, follow our WhatsApp Channel via this link:
