Byline: Refeloe Letsoisa
09 September 2026
Manqoba Maphanga (21) appeared before the Evander Regional Court on Tuesday, 08 September 2026.
Maphanga is facing a charge of murder and was arrested on 18 August 2025.
The information presented in court revealed that Maphanga and the deceased had argued on 16 December 2023 at Ext 19 in eMbalenhle, which was later resolved.
Three days later, the deceased went to the nearest spaza shop after having a meal with his mother, where he came across Maphanga and other friends.
Maphanga allegedly approached the deceased and started questioning him.
The deceased allegedly handed his phone to a friend. When he turned back to face the accused, Maphanga took out a knife and allegedly stabbed him.
He was rushed to the Paulina Morapeli Clinic at Ext 19, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
Maphanga was allegedly moved from eMbalenhle by his grandfather and kept at a traditional healer’s place in Bushbuckridge.
The matter was postponed to 14 October 2026 for the outcome of the psychiatric evaluation and further consultation with his legal representative.
He has since been remanded in custody.
