magistrate puts pressure on similane’s murder

By Nthateng Mhlambiso (BTM Senior Reporter)

SOUTH AFRICA – June 27, 2008: The case of five men accused of murdering a Kwa-Thema lesbian, Eudy Simelane, was yesterday remanded to 31 July this year, pending DNA results.

The crime scene photographs are also expected by court as evidence, which were not available during the testimony yesterday, hence the postponement.

In a packed court at Springs, Magistrate Betty Lesufi showed discontent with delays in regarding evidence.

She ordered the State prosecutor to put pressure on the laboratory dealing with the DNA to ensure a speedy process towards the trial.

Lesufi requested family and friends, and members of the 07-07-07 Campaign who were present to be patient as the case may take some time before the actual trial.

She stated that: “Thorough investigation needs to be done and proper evidence acquired before the case can be tried, so I am asking you to be patient.”

Meanwhile, Tshepo Pitja (24) – one of the accused – will appear in court separately on 2 July to make a formal bail application.

His four accused had earlier indicated that they no longer want to apply for bail.

However, members of the 07-07-07 Campaign said Pitja doesn’t deserve bail and therefore they are planning to oppose bail.

“Pitja is one person who is key in this investigation because he is the one who was last seen with the deceased. We (07-07-07 Campaign) do not want him to be allowed out on bail”, Phumi Mtetwa of Lesbian and gay Equality Project (LGEP) negated.

Simelane’s body was found in a field near Kwa-Thema Hostel on 28 April this year, and the investigations continue.