Bail granted to nine suspects in mob killing of TUT lecturer Madasi Sifundo.
Image: Supplied
The Soshanguve Magistrates’ Court has granted bail of R2 000 each to nine people accused of participating in the alleged mob killing of Madasi Sifundo, a lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology.
The accused — Koketso Molambo, 37, Thapelo Mothemani, 33, Solomon Maunatlala, 32, Kholofelo Phasha, 20, Kabelo Mothiba, 43, Koketso Masuku, 34, Lerato Matlala. 37, Marry Dudu Mogale, 43, and Maggie Phasha, 56, — appeared in court on Wednesday facing a charge of murder linked to the incident.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said police received a complaint shortly after midnight on February 25, 2026, about a mob justice incident in Soshanguve Block L, north of Pretoria.
"Members of the community were alleging that Sifundo had raped two minor children aged nine and 12. Upon arrival at the scene, police allegedly found Sifundo lying naked and face down in the street. Emergency medical services were called and certified him dead at the scene," said Mahanjana.
Bail granted to nine suspects in mob killing of TUT lecturer Madasi Sifundo.
Image: Supplied
Following investigations, police arrested the nine suspects two days after the deadly incident.
During the bail hearing, Mahanjana said the prosecutor opposed the application, arguing that the seriousness of the charge and the fact that the accused are known to State witnesses raised concerns that they could intimidate them if released.
However, the court ruled that exceptional circumstances existed which, in the interests of justice, justified granting bail to the accused.
The case has been postponed to April 29, 2026, for further investigations.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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