State, defence seek to block media from bail hearing of Karabo's murder accused

The state and defence on Wednesday attempted to block the media from covering Sandile Mantsoe's bail application at the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court.

Mantsoe is accused of murdering his girlfriend‚ Karabo Mokoena‚ who was found burnt beyond recognition at a dump site in Lyndhurst on April 29.

The prosecution team said it wanted to protect witnesses who may be mentioned during the proceedings.

• SA celebs applaud Karabo Mokoena’s mother’s strength The likes of Somizi, Maps Maponyane and Thando Thabethe have applauded Karabo Mokoena's mother, Lolo, for the unbelievable strength she showed as she spoke about the pain of her daughter's murder.  

"Sensitive information will come to the fore and this may affect outcomes of the trial‚" said prosecutor John Metswamere.

Mantsoe was expected to apply for bail via affidavit. Magistrate Carlo Labuschagne said he had difficulty understanding the arguments as both the state and defence had had no objections to media coverage in Mantsoe's previous appearance.

• Court boosts security ahead of the appearance of Karabo's alleged killerSecurity was tightened in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday ahead of the appearance of Sandile Mantsoe‚ alleged to have been behind the murder of Karabo Mokoena. 

Sandile's defence lawyer‚ identified as Ms Munyai‚ said when Mantsoe first appeared in court two weeks ago‚ proceedings were like "a circus with cameras flashing as if on a red carpet".

Labuschagne adjourned proceedings for an hour to apply his mind.

- TMG Digital/TimesLIVE