Coligny

COLIGNY, SOUTH AFRICA – JANUARY 19: Coligny case witness Bonakele Pakisi denies lying in court during an interview on January 19, 2019 in Coligny, South Africa. Pakisi, who is the only eyewitness in the infamous Coligny murder trial against two white men convicted for throwing a teenager from a bakkie, reportedly admitted to lying when he testified against Pieter Doorewaard, and Phillip Schutte, who were found guilty of the murder of Matlhomola Moshoeu in April 2017. (Photo by Gallo Images / Netwerk24 / Elizabeth Sejake)

Coligny murderers back in court following witness scandal

New revelations, that the sole eyewitness to the murder ‘lied’ during his testimony, threaten to thwart the court’s initial ruling.

Coligny

COLIGNY, SOUTH AFRICA – JANUARY 19: Coligny case witness Bonakele Pakisi denies lying in court during an interview on January 19, 2019 in Coligny, South Africa. Pakisi, who is the only eyewitness in the infamous Coligny murder trial against two white men convicted for throwing a teenager from a bakkie, reportedly admitted to lying when he testified against Pieter Doorewaard, and Phillip Schutte, who were found guilty of the murder of Matlhomola Moshoeu in April 2017. (Photo by Gallo Images / Netwerk24 / Elizabeth Sejake)

The two men convicted of murdering a Coligny teenager over the alleged theft of sunflowers will appear in court on Monday for their sentencing.

This appearance should mark the finale of the controversial and convoluted case, which stems from an incident that took place back in April 2017. The callous murder of 16-year-old Matlhomola Mosweu, at the hands of two farm managers, sparked outrage across the country – specifically in the small town North West town of Coligny.

Coligny murder tears town apart

Mosewu’s murder ignited the powder keg of seething racial tension – enraged community members, specifically of Scotland informal settlement, took to the streets of Coligny. What followed was a week of violence and vandalism. Farm houses were burnt to the ground. The town itself became a warzone – with police officers fighting running battles with protesters.

Pieter Doorewaard and Phillip Schutte, the two men convicted of Mosewu’s murder, were found guilty in October 2018. Both men claimed that Mosewu had jumped from a moving vehicle while on route to the police station. The North West High Court in Mahikeng rejected their defence.

New revelations, however, threaten to thwart the court’s initial ruling. Last week, the Afrikaans newspaper, Rapport, published an explosive article, which claimed that sole eyewitness to the murder lied during his testimony.

The eyewitness, Bonakele Pakisi, claimed that he had seen how Mosewu was thrown from the vehicle – this testimony sealed the accused’s fate.

Following allegations of dishonest testimony, The Sowetan published a retort in which Pakisi claims to have been forced to read a predetermined statement, under fierce duress.

Conflicting reports cast doubt on eyewitness testimony

In the Rapport article, Paul Morule, a preacher from Mahikeng, alleged that Pakisi had lied about the events which saw both Doorewaard and Schutte convicted of murder. The preacher also leaked a recording of Pakisi’s ‘confession’ to the newspaper. According to Morule, Pakisi had even admitted to falsifying his testimony before his lawyer – the preacher claims to have evidence to back up his allegations.

Pakisi, on the other hand, says that he was forced ‘confess’. Speaking to the Sowetan, Pakisi says that he was coerced into recanting his original testimony. Pakisi claims that he was intimated and threatened by Kirsten Doorewaard, a relative of Pieter Doorewaard. It’s also alleged that Morule aided in the coercion.

Kirsten Doorewaard has denied the claims, arguing that the only time he had any contact with Pakisi was during court proceedings. Likewise, Morule has denied allegations of intimidation, arguing that Pakisi’s ‘change of heart’ came naturally and free of duress.

Bonakele Pakisi says he stands by his court testimony and that he has opened a case of intimidation against Doorewaard at the local police station. North West police have confirmed that they are investigating the case.

The controversy surrounding Pakisi’s testimony could see Pieter Doorewaard and Phillip Schutte set free.