FAMILIES of the two murdered boys, Tshidiso Ramatlo (18) and Katleho Letseli (25), demand justice for the young men killed for allegedly stealing polo lights.
This after the accused in the murder case, Sandile Mbatha (30), made a brief appearance in the Orlando Magistrates Court, Soweto on Thursday, 29 June.
Mbatha is facing charges of kidnapping, assault, attempted murder and murder.
According to the residents, the 30-year-old teacher was arrested on Thursday, 2 February after about seven suspects allegedly assaulted four people.
Two boys died, one had to act dead, and the fourth boy ran for his life.
Petunia Letseli, Katleho’s mum, told Daily Sun that she wants justice for the young men since they were killed like dogs.
“We are thankful to the community for standing with us and supporting us during this difficult time. These innocent kids were taken and killed. Those kids were loved in the community,” said Petunia.
She said that the person who killed their children walks free and smells good. “A whole qualified teacher killed our children,” she said.
According to the families, the surviving victim, who pretended to be dead after the attack, could identify the teacher from Soweto as one of the suspects.
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Mookho Letseli, Katleho’s gogo, said the teacher travelled from Pimville to Diepkloof to kidnap and kill innocent children.
“The accused must show us all the other suspects who helped him in killing our innocent children,” said Mookho.
Petunia said that bail must be evoked because they no longer feel safe since the accused was released on R20 000 bail in February 2023.
Lillian Ramatlo, Tshidiso’s mum, told Daily Sun that she is happy that the case has been moved from Orlando Magistrates Court to the Joburg High Court.
“I think since the case has been moved to the High Court, there will be more progress,” Lillian said.
She said her son’s death still haunts her, and she believes the boys were innocent.
The case has been remanded to Friday, 4 August at the Joburg High Court.
