Two young boys accused of murdering Ligwalagwala FM Siyadvumisa host Given Mathabela’s daughter now want to apply for bail.
Katlego Mnqobi Mokoena (18) and Lungelo Sithole (18) appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 28 January.
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The pair is facing a murder charge after they allegedly stabbed 19-year-old Lusanda Mathabela to death at her home on 3 November 2025.
They had previously abandoned their bail application in November last year.
State prosecutor Nomfundo Mavuso told the court the matter had previously been postponed for further investigations.
However, the defence has now indicated its intention to proceed with a formal bail application.
“The investigating officer is not present in court today. He informed me he is on rest days until the 30th and will be available next week,” said Mavuso.
Sithole’s legal representative, advocate Pat Sikatane, confirmed that there had been an agreement between the state and the defence to proceed with bail, but the absence of the investigating officer cannot allow them to proceed.
“We then agreed that we will proceed with the bail application of accused two on Tuesday,” Sikatane said.
However, Magistrate Martin Marius indicated that he would not be available due to a partly heard matter.
Meanwhile, accused one requested that his bail application be heard on 26 February.
The matter was postponed to 4 February for accused two’s bail application, while accused one will apply for bail on 26 February.
Family spokesman Ally Sibiya said they are not ready to see the accused back in their community.
“They broke us. We are not okay as a family. We don’t want to see them walking freely after what they did,” he said.
“This thing is dragging on for no reason. They committed this crime together. The court must just try them and sentence them.
“The issue of them applying for bail for what they did is something we are not okay with. Also, them being separated for a crime they allegedly committed together is unfair and feels like a waste of time,” he said.
Provincial National Prosecuting Authority spokeswoman Monica Nyuswa confirmed that the state intends opposing bail.
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“The accused are facing a charge of murder, and we strongly believe they have a case to answer.”
“This matter is related to gender-based violence, and their release may disturb public order,” said Nyuswa.
