TWO MEN IN COURT FOR MURDER OF 16 YEAR OLD GIRL
TAUNG – Two men, Phemelo Patrick Maine (40) and Onkemetse Phatlhanyana (27), appeared at the Taung Magistrate’s Court today in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Boingotlo Makaota, whose body was exhumed on Saturday morning at Matlhako, Matshelapane in Pudumong.
The two suspects are facing a charge of murder after the police uncovered Makaota’s remains, which had been buried in a shallow grave near Maine’s home. Makaota had been missing since 8 January 2025, and the discovery followed an investigation into her disappearance.
Maine and Phatlhanyana appeared in court for the first time, and both indicated they would be seeking the services of the Legal Aid Board for their defense. When asked if he would need a lawyer, Maine expressed his intention to plead guilty but noted he would require legal assistance in determining his sentence.
However, the court was alerted to an incident where Maine appeared to be giving Phatlhanyana non-verbal instructions on how to respond to court questions, prompting the prosecutor to take note of the behaviour.
The case has been postponed to 16 January 2025, for a bail application hearing.
