South Africa: Songezo Steven Sejakane and McDonald Masithela are accused of the murders of Bongiwe Phulampa and Mpho Moalusi. Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae accompanied MECs Jabu Mbalula and Dibolelo Mance to extend their support.
They were present at the court in support of the victims and their families after the traumatic incident. Both the accused males were taken to Bloemfontein regional court on Wednesday to answer the charges.
As per the investigating police officers of the Free State Province, Phulampa was stabbed in Rocklands. Meanwhile Moalusi was repeatedly driven over by her murderer and her body was discovered near Mangaung prison.
The accused brief appearance at the Bloemfontein regional court was covered by several members of the media. The members of the provincial government and the opposition were also present at the court showing solidarity to the victims.
The Premier, Letsoha-Mathae expressed her shock on the murder of the two women. She also called on the court of Law to give the accused men the harshest punishment for their crime.
Rival political parties of the province also came together in solidarity for the families of the deceased victims. They asserted that the issue is than all of us and needed the politicians of the province to come together.
One of the political leaders present at the court noted that there may be differences in political views, but they are all women, mothers and sisters. Accordingly, they want to support the families of the victims to the best of their capacities.
Before arriving at the court, Premier and her MECs participated in the March for Justice. The event was organised by Thoko Nogabe’s Buang Basadi as a public stand in oopposition of violence against women.
The march was attended by a number of officials and locals from across the province  The marchers, and Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae walked up Charlotte Maxeke Street in central Bloemfontein.
From the Charlotte Maxeke Street, they went to the court. At the court, Songezo Steven Sejakane and McDonald Masithelacomplained about the presence of the media.
They argued that the presence of media may cause damage to their image. Howeber, their complaints were not entertained in the court of law and the media were allowed to cover the proceedings.
Both the accused were remanded in custody. The bail hearing for Masithela will be heard on 2 July 2024 while that of  Sejakane will be heard on the 3rd July 2024.