By Staff Reporter
news@alexreporter.co.za
Three men appeared before the High Court of South Africa: North West Division for the murder of an 83-year-old Catholic priest in 2020 at Bodibe village.
Their matter was postponed to 13-14 January 2022 for judgement.
The state and the defence team have concluded their closing arguments.
In arguing for a conviction, Adv Benny Kalakgosi argued that the case was solely based on circumstantial evidence and requested the court to draw only one inference that the accused are the people that killed the Roman Catholic priest.
It is alleged that Thabang Maseko(24), Mongezi Molefe(27) and Nicholus Tlhapi(26) on the night of 13 January 2020, went into the house of Jacobus Hollanders (83) and attacked him with the aim of robbing him.
The accused overpowered Hollanders and tied up his hands and legs. They assaulted and strangled him to death.
The three went on to rob Hollanders of his valuables and took them to a house where they were ultimately recovered by the police.
They were subsequently arrested in January 2020. The first state witness testified that Maseko approached him and five others to plan a robbery at the church as he saw the priest with a lot of cash.
He further testified that Maseko was often seen with Hollanders and was more familiar with his living surroundings as he often assisted him with some chores in the church premises.
The three accused will remain in police custody until their next court appearance.
