Mokoena, accused number one in the murder case, had previously abandoned his bail last year. The accused was set to apply for bail on Thursday, February 26, however, Magistrate Patrick Morris transferred the matter to another court, citing he had already handled co-accused Lungelo Sithole’s bail application.

“I cannot proceed with this bail application. Another Magistrate has to be appointed to handle the bail application of accused number one. The case will be transferred to court A and the parties will arrange a new date for the bail application,” Morris told the court.

READ | Lusanda Mathabela’s accused killer denied bail!

Mokoena and co-accused Lungelo Sithole, both 19, are facing a murder charge for allegedly stabbing Mathabela to death at her Mataffin, Mbombela home in November 2025. Sithole’s bail was previously denied by the State due to the seriousness of the case and strong evidence against him, with Magistrate Patrick Morris citing concerns about public confidence in the justice system.

The case has drawn significant community attention, with residents calling for justice. The Mathabela family expressed skepticism about Mokoena’s bail prospects outside court saying, “If I were him, I’d cancel the application. His friend’s bail was denied, indicating the seriousness of the case. They’ll likely rot in prison, they should just accept it,” said family spokesperson, Abby Sibiya.

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