Woman held for hit on husband

2008-11-20 18:08

Thabisile Khoza

Vosman - A woman accused of setting a trap to kill her common-law husband was not asked to plead when she appeared in the Kriel Magistrate's Court in Mpumalanga on Thursday.

Betty Tsie of Vosman, 35, and four co-accused, including her alleged boyfriend, John Masuku, 50, were remanded until November 26 for further investigation.

The other three co-accused are Selby Khaya, 38, Bongani Nkambule, 40, and Wisdom Loyuko, 20.

They were arrested on Wednesday in connection with the murder of a Limpopo teacher on June 20.

The body of Meshack Johannes Malapane, 44, who teaches at a reformatory in Ogies near Emalahleni, was found four days later on June 24 when a passerby discovered his body.

He was allegedly beaten with iron bars, pick handles and sticks while tied to a wall in his room. His body was later buried in a shallow grave.

Tsie never reported him missing.

His family eventually called the police themselves.

"When we got the report from Malapane's family, it took us only two days to investigate and make a breakthrough," said spokesperson for Mpumalanga's organised crime unit, Captain Leonard Hlathi.

He said a motive for the murder hadn't been established yet.

Police are also looking for a Steven Mpufu in connection with the case.

Anyone who knows his whereabouts may call Hlathi on 082 462 0804.

- African Eye