Lazarus Antonio, the man accused of stabbing Kgaugelo Marota to death, shocked the Moretele Regional Court on Wednesday.
Lazarus Antonio, also known as Mfana Ngwenya, now wants bail.
ALSO READ | Lazarus Antonio appeared in court for Kgaogelo Marota murder
Previously, Lazarus abandoned his bail application. However, on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, his lawyer Advocate Kgomo shocked the Moretele Regional Court in Tshwane by announcing that his client would now apply for bail.
Lazarus is facing charges of murder and attempted murder.
Kgaugelo’s mum, Nkina Marota (35), said the family lives in fear. She said the suspect had denied bail previously, but now he wants to be released.
“We were living in fear. Lazarus would come at night to our home. He was threatening us. We are worried about what will happen to us if he gets bail. He threatened Kgaugelo with a petrol bomb,” she said.
Nkina said that Kgaugelo was bubbly.
Kgaugelo’s aunt, Lesedi Marota (29), believes the accused is taking chances because the community support has quieted down.
“There are no protesters, and now he wants bail,” she said.
She said that the way he allegedly killed Kgaugelo shows he’s very dangerous.
“We don’t know whether he wants bail to come after us and finish us off,” she said.
She said that Lazarus deserves a life sentence.
“Kgaugelo was open, loving, and we spoke about a lot of things,” said Lesedi.
Presiding Magistrate Liezl van Zyl postponed the matter to Wednesday, 11 March 2026 for a formal bail application. The accused remains in custody.
ALSO READ | Kgaugelo Marota finally laid to rest in Hammanskraal
North West police spokeswoman Colonel Adéle Myburgh confirmed the incident details.
“Reports suggest that the body of Kgaugelo was found lying on the ground, with multiple stab wounds on Thursday, 21 August 2025, at a tavern in Maubane Village,” Myburgh said.
