Nine accused granted bail after TUT lecturer allegedly killed by mob in Soshanguve [VIDEO]

Nine people accused of beating a Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) lecturer to death in Soshanguve last month have been granted bail, despite concerns they may intimidate witnesses. The lecturer was found dead in the street in Soshanguve Block L in the early hours of 25 February 2026, in what authorities are investigating as a mob justice killing. Police received a complaint just after midnight about a mob justice incident in the area, with community members alleging that the deceased had sexually assaulted two minor children aged nine and twelve.

Upon arrival at the scene, police allegedly found the man naked and face down in the street,” said NPA Regional Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana. Emergency medical services were summoned but could do nothing for him, certifying him dead at the scene. Investigations led to the arrest of nine Soshanguve Block L residents on 27 February 2026, two days after the lecturer’s death.

The accused are Koketso Molambo, 37, Thapelo Mothemani, 33, Solomon Maunatlala, 32, Kholofelo Phasha, 20, Kabelo Mothiba, 43, Koketso Masuku, 34, Lerato Matlala, 37, Marry Dudu Mogale,43, and Maggie Phasha, 56. All nine appeared before the Soshanguve Magistrates’ Court, facing a charge of murder. The bail hearing drew opposition from the State, with prosecutor Thandi Nduli arguing against the accused’s release. According to Mahanjana, the prosecution based its objection on two key grounds: the seriousness of the offence and the fact that the accused are known to State witnesses, raising concerns that they could intimidate them ahead of trial.