Women charged with royal murder acquitted
FOUR women accused of killing Prince Lethukuthula Zulu, son of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, were on Thursday acquitted on charges of murder and possession of drugs.
Tshegofatso Moremane
(30), Margaret Koaile (42),
Portia Mmola (28) and Gontse Tlhoele (30) appeared before the Johannesburg High Court, which found them guilty only on a theft charge.
On 6 November 2020, Prince Lethukuthula Zulu’s body was discovered by security guards at his residential complex in Northwold, Johannesburg.
His friend, Nkosi Msimang, was found unconscious in his room. Prior to the incident,
Zulu and Msimang went to an entertainment establishment in Randburg.
They met the accused, who said they were celebrating Moremane’s birthday. Celebrations carried on until they went to Zulu’s place of residence where they continued with the party.
NPA Gauteng Local Division regional spokesperson Phindi
Mjonondwane said the accused left Zulu and Msimang unconscious and stole household items before fleeing the scene.
Police were called to the scene by a neighbour.
“Msimang woke up and was disorientated, but Zulu was declared dead at the scene. The police investigated and linked the accused to the crime by DNA found at the scene.
The accused were arrested and some of the stolen items were recovered. The police also found tablets on Mmola, that were allegedly used to drug Msimang. The cause of death was said to be drug-related.
“The court found that the State failed to prove the source of the drugs ingested by the deceased, and could not prove that any of the women were found to be in possession of drugs. The State further failed to prove that the deceased involuntarily took the cocaine and they were, therefore, acquitted on the murder and possession of drugs charges.
“The NPA will study the judgment and communicate further. The court postponed the case to 6 October for sentencing,” said Mjonondwane.