The Brits Magistrate Court in the North West, has postponed the murder case against Tebogo Mpete to 21 April for a formal bail application and further investigations.
Mpete, is accused of killing his pregnant ex-wife, Ntombizodwa Khumalo, at the parking lot of the Brits District Hospital last week.
According to reports, Mpete, who is a police officer at Rapid Rail in Silverton, went to the hospital where Khumalo worked as a switchboard operator and fired several shots at her.
He then handed himself over at the Brits Police station.
It has also emerged in court that Mpete is awaiting sentencing at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Court on 19 April on corruption charges.
The court also heard that Khumalo had obtained a protection order against Mpete in 2021.
Khumalo’s colleagues and union members protested outside court demanding Mpete be denied bail. They said they want justice for ‘Zodwa’ and her unborn child and promised to protest outside court until Mpete is sentenced.
ANC Women’s League provincial task team leader, Lenah Medupe, called for justice, saying it is hurtful that women and children are being killed daily and nothing is being done. She said that they will attend court until the accused has been sentenced.
NPA Regional Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said they will oppose Mpete’s bail application.
“So basically nothing much happened today, the accused appeared and faces a schedule 6 offence and the NPA intends to oppose bail in this matter,” said Mahanjana.
On the impact of the protestors on Mpete’s case, Mahanjana said people have a right to protest and to voice out their concerns in relation to the matter, but the NPA will do what needs to be done, because the accused is facing a premeditated murder charge.
