University of Fort Hare students call for justice in Nosicelo Mtebeni

Students at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape are calling for justice to be urgently served in Nosicelo Mtebeni’s murder case. The man accused of Mtebeni’s murder Alutha Pasile appeared in the East London Magistrate’s Court today.

He has been in custody since last month after abandoning his bail application. Mtebeni was brutally killed last month and some of her body parts were dismembered and put in a suitcase.

During the court proceedings Aluta Pasile indicated that he still does not want to apply for bail.

He also did not want a legal representation.

Meanwhile, students braved a chilly weather chatting and demanding justice for Nosicelo.

Student Representative Council member, Siphokazi Mbalo says they are disappointed with the justice system for postponing the case again.

“I’m very disappointed that the case has been postponed. I feel like the justice system thinks we will lose momentum on fighting for justice for Nosicelo because even the perpetrator abandoned his bail and does not want representation. So, we want him to be sentenced.”

Students demonstrate outside court: 

Social Development MEC,  Siphokazi Mani Lusithi was also part of the the demonstration.

“Part of justice is a speedy trial. We are disappointed for Nosicelo and her family and unfortunately, this is not common in cases of this nature,” says Lusithi.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it is building a strong case against the accused.

“We are continuing with the case building an even stronger case so that the prosecution goes on strongly during trial. We believe we have got a good case and building more evidence,” says the spokesperson for NPA in the province is Anelisa Ngcakani.

Alutha Pasile will again appear in court on 9 November.