Date set for Parys farm murder trial

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 Parys - The three suspects accused of killing an elderly couple on their farm in Parys, Free State appeared in the Parys Magistrate's Court on Wednesday facing murder and robbery charges, police said.

Ezekiel Mnguni, 30, Mmaditaba Mokubung, 46, and Oupa Ngope Mokoena, 48, each face two charges of murder and robbery.

“The case was postponed pending further investigations. The trial will begin on May 8,” said Constable Peter Kareli.

Mokubung and Mnguni were caught on January 16 near Sasolburg in possession of the victims' cellphones.

They were denied bail and remained in police custody.

Mokoena was later arrested in Langlaagte, Johannesburg on February 22.

Police believed Mokoena to be the mastermind behind the incident; they also assumed he was Mokubung's husband, because they lived together.

On January 12, Free State police said the couple was found dead in a tuck shop they ran from a garage on the farm.

The husband was found on the floor of the tuck shop, with his feet tied and head covered with a material sack, Colonel Thandi Mbambo said at the time. The body of the woman was found tucked into a freezer.

The couple was believed to be in their 70s.

The three suspects will remain in police custody until the trial on May 8. - Sapa