Court hears Tshegofatso Pule feared for her, baby’s life
Messages between Tshegofatso Pule and the man believed to be behind her killing Ntutukho Shoba revealed that she believed him to be capable of doing anything to ensure he does not become a father.
The Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court heard how Pule feared that the father of her child would harm her and her baby.
“Do you blame me when I say I don’t trust you? I know you don’t want this child,” one text read.
Ntutukho Shoba appeared at the court on Thursday for his second bid at bail.
The state delivered its arguments in reply to new information presented by the defence.
Texts between Shoba and Pule showed that Shoba was absent for most of Pule’s pregnancy and how she initiated the communication.
The court also heard that this was their second baby together.
ALSO READ: Shoba tells court Tshegofatsho Pule was in relationship with killer
It's understood they aborted the first pregnancy and Shoba wanted to abort again.
State prosecutor Paseka Temeki read out some of the WhatsApp exchanges in court.
During one of their conversations on March 13, Pule was suffering some heartburn. Shoba gave her pills which, according to her, only made things worse.
“Shoba, are you sure these pills are for heartburn?” Pule asked, to which Shoba to which he responded that they are.
“It’s bad. I just took them now. I am having stomach cramps, to which the applicant instructed her to drink water and then cited network problems,” the court heard.
The next day Pule complained about tummy cramps that kept her up all night, she told Shoba that ever since she took the pills she has been in pain.
This aroused suspicion in the deceased mind prompting her to ask the accused, “I know you have too much stress but, please be honest with me, you’d do anything to harm the baby ne?”
Shoba took offence to the message, “How the hell can you say that after I have been running up and down for you?”
Days leading up to her murder, Pule texted Shoba saying, “You know I have been thinking. I am not comfortable coming to your house this Sunday. I am feeling some type of way about this situation”.
Outside court, Pule’s uncle Tumisang Katane said he takes solace in the fact that his niece fought until the very end.
He said even though the family was prepared for more information, none of them were prepared for this.
The case has been postponed to 26 April for arguments from the defence.
