Barkly East - Charges were dropped on Thursday against one of three people accused of killing a farmer in Rooipoort, Eastern Cape.
Court clerk Keneoe Motsoahae said insufficient evidence led to the withdrawal of murder charges against Thandeka Mthiyane, 33, in the Barkly East Magistrate's Court.
The matter against Bongani Nojokwe, 31, and Vumile Dingalibala, 28, was postponed to February 13 for further investigations. They would remain in police custody.
Nojokwe and Dingalibala were traced to Gauteng after an intensive investigation following the murder of Sarel Pretorius on the farm Rooipoort two weeks ago.
His wife was found locked in a bathroom.
“The detective team worked tirelessly, following up information which led to the arrest of the two suspects in Hillbrow, Gauteng on Saturday... within days of the incident reported to the police,” Eastern Cape provincial police commissioner Celiwe Binta said at the time.
Mthiyane appeared in court with the men, as police at the time believed her to be an accomplice from Gauteng, who was linked to the farm murder.
Police seized R74 000 cash and two 9mm pistols during the arrest.
Sapa