State moves to merge girlfriend and sister murder charges

THE STATE intends to combine the two murder charges against Hardley Phetlo, who is accused of murdering his girlfriend in 2023 and his sister in Prieska on October 23 this year.

He appeared in the Northern Cape High Court this week.

Phetlo allegedly murdered his sibling last month, after he was previously granted bail of R10,000 by the Prieska Magistrate’s Court for the murder of his partner, Izandra de Bruin.

The first incident took place in Shanty Town, Prieska, following an argument between the couple on January 7, 2023. According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly assaulted and stabbed De Bruin several times.

An eyewitness, who entered the house through a window because the front door was locked, found the deceased lying in a pool of blood on the floor and allegedly saw Phetlo stabbing her.

Phetlo was later found crying while lying on the ground and holding his baby. The baby was taken to the police station and later placed in the care of Phetlo’s mother.

The case was postponed until February 3 and Phetlo remains in custody. 

The accused is represented by Heinrich Steynburg from Legal Aid South Africa and Advocate Terche Engelbrecht is appearing for the State. 

National Prosecuting Authority Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said Phetlo abandoned his bail after he was arrested for the murder of his sister in October.

“The accused appeared in connection with the murder of his sister on October 27 and was sent for formal observation at the Northern Cape Mental Health Hospital. A psychiatric evaluation report was obtained,” he added.