Alleged blood sacrifice at the centre of Karabo Mokoena's death

Mantsoe is accused of the pre-meditated murder of his former girlfriend, Karabo Mokoena.

Constable Helen Mahwete, the officer who received the call, that Mokoena's burnt body had been found in an open veld in Lyndhurst last year, continued her testimony on Thursday. 

The trial has ended its fourth day.

Mahwete told the court she went to see Mantsoe at the Sandton Police Station where he told her about a blood sacrifice.

She says:  " He told me, Karabo had a tattoo on the right or left side of her shoulder which was a symbol of a sacrifice we did to bind each other."

She proceeded to tell the court that during this conversation, Mantsoe told her the ritual they performed was done by a person named, Master, who was binding them together in order to give them power for his forex trading business.

"I asked him who Master was, he told me he cannot tell me more because he didn't want to get people into trouble. He said Master made it clear to him and Karabo, if they break up a sacrifice would have to be made," added Mahwete.

In her chilling testimony, Mahwete told the court, the accused said Mokeona had committed suicide by stabbing herself in the neck.

"He told me Karabo knew the sacrifice had to be done. He also said he took her blood, mixed it with his. Master had told him he had to wait 14 days to bring the blood for a separation sacrifice, however he was arrested before that could happen," she said.

After a brief adjournment Mantsoe's defence lawyer, advocate Victor Simelane, cross examined Mahwete.

Simelane wanted to know why Mahwete had only submitted a written statement this month when this case dates back to May 2017.

Mahwete explained that she did not think she had to write a statement due to her rank as a constable, she added she was under the impression the accused was admitting guilt. 

Simelane told the court, Mantsoe will deny ever having such a conversation with Mahwete.

The trial continues.