By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
The Moretele Magistrates Court postponed the murder and rape case against Samuel John Noko (34) to 26 November 2021 for further investigations.
Noko who is said to be a Pastor in the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) was initially charged for murder and defeating the ends of justice.
However, an additional charge of rape was added to the docket. He allegedly murdered Monni Monyeki (29) and buried her in a shallow grave near a river in Mathibestad.
Police reports reveal that Monyeki was reported missing by her aunt on 29 May 2021 and at that time the last person she was seen with was Noko, who was allegedly her boyfriend.
Henry Mamothame NPA Spokesperson said the two allegedly left together to perform some rituals and shortly afterwards, Noko was spotted pushing Monyeki in a wheelbarrow after she had consumed a substance that made her dizzy. She allegedly disappeared after this incident.
Mamothame said Police investigations led them to Noko, who on 12 June 2021, pointed them to a shallow grave where he had buried Monyeki. Upon her discovery, some of her body parts were missing.
“An additional charge of rape was added against Noko, owing to the alleged crime being reported to the police by a 14-year-old girl related to the deceased.
“The rape incident allegedly took place at the time when Monyeki was missing.
He will remain in police custody until his next court appearance,” Mamothame said.