Matatiele murder accused Boitumelo Khihleli intends to plead guilty to charges of killing his girlfriend last year, defence lawyer Khayalethu Nondabula told the informer newspaper in an interview on Friday. Khihleli is facing charges of murder, attempted murder and kidnapping. According to charges Khihleli ambushed, stabbed and killed his girlfriend who is also the mother of his child Mpharwane Makomane 26 in October last year. Makumane was a teacher at Azariel High School.
He also stabbed Makomane ‘s friend Lebo Ntoni 34 and had to stay in hospital almost a month. Khihleli was arrested by police running away with Makomane’s car hours after killing her. His case at Maluti magistrate court was on Friday postponed to the 17th of June. In an interview Nondabula said they will use the period in between in a plea bargaining process . “I can say that my client is intending to plead guilty in all charges. Now we need to engage with the prosecutor and magistrate to present our case. We have to show remorse and apologise but that does not mean we can expect a lenient sentence”, said Nondabula.
Meanwhile social workers have visited and interviewed Ntoni who is also Khihleli’s victim. Makomane ‘s parents have also been interviewed. The report will then be used as one of the tools to influence the court’s decision.
On the other hand disciplinary hearings against Maluti Police Officers who failed to assist Makomane who visited police station for help a day before her death has been completed. Reports are saying that one police officer was found guilty of neglecting Makomane. The police officer was then suspended for one month without pay.
In the same vein Makomane’s family is in a process of suing the ministry of police for failing to assist their daughter when he went to the police station for help before her death.
