Getrude Makhafola

Getrude Makhafola

The murder case against three people accused of killing Avhatakali Netshisaulu, son of City Press editor Mathatha Tsedu, was postponed yesterday to July for trial in the Johannesburg high court.

Netshisaulu's charred body was found in the boot of his burnt car in December 2006 at Muldersrift on the West Rand.

Forensic tests showed he was alive before he was burnt to death, prosecutor Maro Papachristoforou said.

Netshisaulu's wife, Mulalo Sivhidzo, was subsequently arrested with Ntabudzeni Mutsenene, 29, Sello Arnold, 28, Rodney Makhura, 32, Setshaba Fikane, 36, and Mashudu Mutobvu, 36.

Makhura, Fikane and Mutobvu were released last year as they could not be linked to the murder. The prosecutor said they could be called if the need arose during the trial.

Mutsenene and Arnold abandoned their bail application and remain in custody.

Sivhidzo is out on R15000 bail.

The three will face charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping and malicious damage to property.