When Muzikayise Malephane first appeared before the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court for allegedly killing Tshegofatso Pule, he was an emotional wreck and it seemed like his remorse came from a place of guilt.
Muzikayise Malephane moves for private legal attorney
However, his second court appearance via a live videocast made it all the more clear that he intended to defend himself against the narrative of his role in the alleged murder of Tshegofatso Pule.
Wednesday’s proceedings were brief. All that was needed from Malephane was an update on his legal representation.
Initially, the alleged hitman had asked for the services of a Legal Aid lawyer. However, we have come to learn from a News24 report that on his second court appearance, Malephane ditched state representation for a private attorney.
Tshegofatso Pule: Is Malephane fighting the case?
This may be speculative but this unexpected move indicates that Malephane may believe he has a chance to fight the case.
It is important to remember, though, he is well within his rights to source the best defence attorney available to him.
It is still too early into proceedings to know what Malephane’s defence will be centred around. We know from statements seen by Sowetan that he placed himself in the vehicle Pule was killed in. He reportedly told authorities that he assisted in the hanging of Pule’s body at the Durban Deep gold mine in Roodepoort.
However, the question that is contested in the murder charge is: Was he directly involved in the ending of Pule’s life? Was he the one who stabbed the mom-to-be?
When is he expected back in court?
From the evidence that has made it’s way to the mainstream media, we know for certain that the murder of the 28-year-old beautician was premeditated.
According to Malephane’s statement, it was committed a month too late.
Malephane is expected back in court on Thursday 2 July. At this time, it is not known if his appearance will be physical or via live videocast.
We did a deep-dive on all the suspects in the Pule murder case. You can go ahead and read it here to familiarise yourself with this intriguing case.