Alleged mastermind in Tshegofatso Pule murder ‘scared for his life’
Murder accused Ntutukho Shoba told the court that his life will be in grave danger if he is to remain behind bars.
Shoba, who the state believes is the mastermind in the murder of 28-year-old Tshegofatso Pule, appeared at the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning for his formal bail application.
Shoba is charged with murder, which the state has upgraded to premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder and defeating the ends of justice.
He was arrested a day before the man who pulled the trigger, Muzikayise Malephane was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment.
In his affidavit read out by the defence lawyer, Luyanda Nyangiwe, Shoba said that he is not a flight risk and his entire life is in Johannesburg.
He also revealed that he is unmarried and has no minor children.
However, Shoba said there has been threats on his life since his arrest.
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Nyangiwe requested that his address not be read out in court because of voice notes threatening Shoba doing the rounds.
“With regards to his safety, the applicant is more at risk in custody then he would be outside because of all the voice notes and real threats.
“There is a real fear that is why we could read his address and other particulars out in court.”
The state argued that defence failed to prove exceptional circumstances.
Pule’s body was found hanging from a tree in a veld in Roodepoort.
She was eight months pregnant at the time.
The matter was postponed to Friday for judgment.
