Johannesburg – The case against murder accused Sandile Mantsoe was on Wednesday postponed to June 9 for further hearing at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court.
Mantsoe was making his second appearance in relation with the murder of ex-girlfriend Karabo Mokoena.
Mokoena went missing on April 28, her disappearance becoming the subject of a social media trend as users searched for her whereabouts.
Her charred remains were discovered in a shallow grave in Lyndhurst, east of the city.
Mantsoe was then arrested in connection with her death and was charged with premeditated murder, which carries a life sentence.
Mantsoe also faces charges of defeating the ends of justice.
Earlier on, the court ruled against the broadcasting, recording or taking of images during Mantsoe's bail application hearing.
Magistrate Karel Labuschagne made the ruling following arguments from both the defence and State, who essentially argued that media coverage would negatively impact the ongoing investigation.
Labuschagne used this as the basis for his decision, adding that the rights of the victim and accused were also taken into account.
"No media house may broadcast, print, record or take any images during proceedings; only the judgment may be broadcast,” he ruled.
Speaking on the decision to oppose media coverage of the proceedings at this stage was NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, who reiterated that the decision to oppose coverage was based on the sensitivity of certain information to be revealed during proceedings.
“As the State, we had concerns about sensitive information that will be revealed in court that will directly impact on the progress of the investigation,” she said.
“We don’t want that kind of information out in the public while investigations continue, hence the decision to oppose the application.”
Mjonondwane stressed that this was not unusual instance, adding that ultimately the decision to grant or deny access lay with the presiding officer.
Furthermore, Mjonodwane explained that this ruling only applied to the bail hearing.
Mantsoe will remain in custody at the Norwood Police Station until his next court appearance.
IOL