The bail hearing for Mduduzi Trevor Mnisi, the 39-year-old man accused of murdering 14-year-old Likhona Fose, resumed at the Roodepoort Magistrates Court on Wednesday, focusing on timelines that could determine his whereabouts between 31 May and 1 June 2025.
Timelines play a crucial role in placing Likhona Fose suspect at crime scene
Mnisi is charged with premeditated murder. Likhona’s dismembered body was found in an open field in Durban Deep, Roodepoort, on 1 June—just one day after she was last seen leaving her home.
At the centre of the defence’s argument is the testimony of Mnisi’s girlfriend, Pinky Gontsa, who told the court she was with him the entire day on 1 June. Gontsa, who has been in a relationship with Mnisi for three months, stated that on the morning of 31 May, he left to buy food and later told her he was heading to Daveyton.
She testified that he returned at 19:00, referencing her medication schedule as a time marker.
According to Gontsa, Mnisi returned to her home in the evening, stayed outside briefly due to the presence of her ex-partner, and later re-entered.
“He came to the house. I dished for him bread and beef stew. He ate and we locked up and went to sleep,” she told the court.
What evidence does the State have? – Here’s what you must know
However, the prosecution challenged this timeline. State advocate Shadrack Temeki referred to a statement by Gontsa’s neighbour, Annelisa, who visited on 1 June and claimed not to have seen Mnisi.
In response, Gontsa said Annelisa did in fact see him and that she had a voice recording from her sister supporting her claim.
Mnisi has pleaded not guilty, asserting he has video footage that can clear his name. He also claimed the investigating officer holds a personal grudge against him and ignored leads that might have proven his innocence.
Beyond the timeline dispute, the State is opposing bail based on several factors. These include the seriousness of the alleged crime, Mnisi’s past criminal record—which includes convictions for attempted murder and robbery in 2007—and the concern that he may try to flee or interfere with witnesses if released.
The community has been closely following the case. During Mnisi’s earlier court appearances, residents protested outside the courthouse, calling for justice for Likhona. Many community members have expressed fear for their children and outrage over the violence.
Likhona was raised by her grandmother and had deep roots in the Eastern Cape. She was last seen in an area known as Phase 4, reportedly with a group of boys. Her death was confirmed after a WhatsApp message circulated, alerting residents that a body had been found.
The court is expected to reconvene on 25 June 2025 to continue with Mnisi’s bail application, where more evidence from both the State and the defence is likely to be presented.
