Family of slain Kgaugelo welcome alleged killer’s decision to abandon bail

The family of 20-year-old, Kgaogelo Marota, who was brutally murdered, has welcomed the decision by her alleged killer, Lazarus Anthonio to abandon his bail application.

The family says this comes as a relief to them, saying releasing the accused back into the community would have added to their trauma.

The 26-year-old Portuguese national, allegedly stabbed Marota to death outside a tavern in Maubane village. He briefly appeared in the Temba Magistrate’s Court in Hammanskraal, today.

Anthonio is also accused of returning home and stabbing his current girlfriend multiple times after attacking Marota.

Marota’s uncle, Zakes Seem,a says the accused deserves to remain behind bars.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says an additional charge of contravening a protection order has been added to Anthonio’s case.

It is alleged that Marota had obtained a protection order against the accused, just 10 days before her death.

NPA spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, says the protection order granted by the Temba Magistrates’ Court, prohibited the accused from physically abusing Marota or entering her residence.

The incident sent shockwaves through the community of Hammanskraal, with residents bemoaning the ongoing scourge of Gender-Based Violence.

The case has been postponed to the 17th of October for further investigations.