The two suspects accused of murdering seven people on a farm in Kestell in the Free State have abandoned their bail applications and confessed to the crimes.
Kamohelo Motankisi, 34, and Lerato Selepe, 22, made a brief appearance in the Kestell Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where they were expected to apply for bail.
According to Phaladi Shuping, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in the Free State, the pair decided to abandon their bail bids.
“The state was going to oppose their bail applications, but the accused informed the court that they will abandon their bail,” Shuping said.
Prosecutor Ntai Letaba told the court that Motankisi and Selepe wanted the case to be resolved as speedily as possible and intended to plead guilty to the murders.
Motankisi and Selepe face 12 charges which include murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, rape and unlawful possession of a firearm.
The two men were arrested in Bohlokong Township in Bethlehem, just few hours after the incident occurred. During the arrest they were found in possession of a shotgun, and a pellet gun, which are believed to have been stolen from the farmhouse where the murders occurred.
Magistrate Thea Bekker ordered that their previous convictions not be made public until their legal representatives are present in court. Both men objected to the filming of the court proceedings
During their last court appearance on Monday, Motankisi and Selepe appeared in court without a lawyer and informed the magistrate that they would be applying for legal aid.
The case was postponed to 14 September for further investigations, said Shuping.
Source: News24, The Citizen, Briefly, image from Twitter