Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
11 March 2025
Innocent Sopoli (19) reappeared before the Evander Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 11 March 2025 for his formal bail hearing.
The court heard that the accused father had been given a transfer letter from Thomas Nhlabathi Secondary to attend school in another province.
During cross-examination, it was mentioned that he was arrested outside the school premises on the day of the incident.
The state put it to the accused that on the day of the incident he told a witness that he was not going to fight with his bare hands as he crossed the streets to approach the deceased.
The court also heard that after the accused stabbed the deceased, he threw away the knife, and his friend picked it up and ran while other learners ran and took the knife from him.
Investigation officer Constable Kekana disputed the accused’s release on bail and stated he believed it would disrupt peace at the school.
He further told the court, the accused was linked through statements by eyewitnesses who are leaners and the weapon used.
He added that if the learners were to hear that the accused was released, it could spark violence, as the incident affected most learners at the school.
For the court to reach its decision, the investigation officer was ordered to verify the accused’s address and the school he would be transferred to.
The matter has been postponed till the 17th of March 2025 for further bail hearing.
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