Investigator reveals lack of evidence against Mduduzi Mnisi in Likhona Fose murder case
The lead investigator in the murder case of Likhona Fose, 14, has publicly conceded that he does not have evidence linking Mduduzi Mnisi, 39, to the murder of Likhona.
“The worship, I have been asked, and I cannot talk any further about something that the court did not ask. When the State counsel asked the questions about the statement and I answered. The issue of the community came after they had asked me about the applicant. Then, when I went outside, I saw that the community was singing and holding placards that the applicant must be arrested,” he said during the ongoing bail application.
Mnisi, who has been charged with premeditated murder, appeared for his formal bail application at the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
The investigator revealed that the prosecution relied heavily on a witness statement suggesting that Mnisi was seen with the deceased on the day of the alleged murder.
Earlier in the day, the accused’s girlfriend told the court that Mnisi was with her in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, on the night that the 14-year-old went missing on Saturday, May 31, until Sunday, June 1, the day her mutilated body was found in an open veld.
Pinky Gantso, Mnisi’s girlfriend’s testimony, differs from versions brought forward by some community members who have previously placed Mnisi at the centre of the murder as one of the last people to have been seen with the Grade 8 learner.
However, in a twist of events, Gantso told the court that she was with the accused on the Saturday and Sunday when Likhona disappeared and was found dead.
The mother of four, who has been dating the accused for three months, told State prosecutor, Shadrack Temeki, that Mnisi left to buy food and later told her he was heading to Daveyton.
“He came to the house, and he was with me the whole time on the day of the alleged incident. I gave him bread and beef stew. He ate, and we locked up and went to sleep,” testified Gantso.
The matter has been postponed to July 9 as Mnisi continues his bail application, which the State has strongly opposed due to his previous conviction.
While Mnisi continues to plead not guilty, saying that he has video footage that can clear his name.
Previously, Mnisi also claimed that the investigating officer holds a personal grudge against him after ignoring leads that could prove his innocence.
siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za