Tshegofasto Pule

Photo: Jacaranda FM / Twitter

Tshegofatso Pule: Six things to know about her suspected killer

Muzikayise Malephane appeared in court on Wednesday, charged with the murder of Tshegofatso Pule. Here’s everything you need to know about the suspect.

Tshegofasto Pule

Photo: Jacaranda FM / Twitter

It’s been nearly two weeks since Tshegofatso Pule – eight months pregnant at the time – was found hanging from a tree after suffering several stab wounds. The heinous crime has been the focal point in a flurry of gender-based violence cases, and under immense pressure, police have now got their main suspect; Muzikayise Malephane is the man they have charged.

Some very basic details of the arrest and the suspect have been made public, but due to the sensitivity of the case, many of the key questions remain unanswered. But now Muzikayise Malephane has appeared in court, we’ve got all the available information here:

Tshegofatso Pule latest – what we know about the suspect

Basic information

  • Name: Muzikayise Malephane
  • Age: 31
  • Charge: Pre-meditated murder
  • Other details: He was given the option to apply for bail, but decided against it. He has now been imprisoned.

Suspect’s court appearance

The suspect arrived at the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court today, around 13:00. He has made an appearance in the dock meaning his identity can be revealed after a period of anonymity. Proceedings were brief, but we learned that Muzikayise Malephane will have his second court date next week.

Details of his arrest

Following a crime intelligence operation, the suspect was arrested on his way from Mpumalanga. He was apprehended in Gauteng on Monday, but police only announced the breakthrough on Wednesday morning, just hours before his first court appearance.

How the breakthrough was made in the Tshegofatso Pule case

It’s understood that the local community of Roodepoort played a significant part in leading police to the accused. Police spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza credited locals with helping them make the breakthrough. The region has been reeling since Tshegofatso Pule’s body was discovered.

Suspect ‘cooperating’ with the police

The Suspect has been talking with the police and giving them details about what happened on the night Tshegofatso Pule went missing – but not much more can be revealed at this stage. Authorities have confirmed that he has been cooperative with the investigation.

Tshegofatso Pule suspect – what happens next?

The case is postponed until Wednesday 24 June for the suspect to get a lawyer. He will remain in custody. The judge says when he returns to court, Muzikayise Malephane will appear via camera from Krugersdorp prison.