The Bronkhorstspruit Magistrates’ Court has granted bail to two learners from Lesedi Secondary School who allegedly murdered a fellow learner.
The two learners who are in Grade 12 and 10 have been charged with premeditated murder as they are accused of stabbing and killing fellow learner, Grade 10 pupil Lethabo Mokonyane, on 17 June 2025.
PRETORIA LEARNERS IN COURT FOR PREMEDITATED MURDER
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mlehalinye Montasi, 20, a Grade 12 learner, was granted bail of R6 000 while Kgotlhello Mathabathe, 19, a Grade 10 learner, was granted bail of R3 000.
NPA spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that after writing exams, Mokonyane was on his way to the school gate when the accused confronted him.
“A fight allegedly ensued, during which one of the accused restrained him while the other stabbed him multiple times with a sharp object. Mokonyane was rushed to the hospital, where he died a few hours later,” she explained.
STATE OPPOSES BAIL
Mahanjana said in court, the accused learners applied for bail, citing the need to continue with their schooling. However, state prosecutor Karabo Sebela opposed bail, arguing that Montasi is in the country illegally and therefore poses a flight risk.
Sebela further submitted that both accused are known to the witnesses and may interfere with them.
“The magistrate nevertheless granted bail, with strict conditions that the accused must attend court proceedings until the finalisation of the trial, may not interfere, directly or indirectly, with witnesses, and must subject themselves to correctional supervision and comply with all imposed rules. The matter was postponed to 10 October 2025 for the Regional Court,” Mahanjana added.
DO YOU SUPPORT THE MAGISTRATE’S DECISION TO GRANT THE LESEDI SECONDARY SCHOOL LEARNERS BAIL?
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