Staff Reporter
A school principal, who is also a pastor, accused of masterminding the murder of his lover will remain in custody after the KuGompo City Magistrate’s Court denied him bail.
George Jude Plaatjies, 52, is facing charges of premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder and defeating the ends of justice regarding the death of Zovuyo Mbana in March.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said on Tuesday that it welcomed the court’s decision to oppose bail.
The court heard that Plaatjies allegedly played a pivotal role in the murder, including financing and coordinating activities for the killing.
Opposing bail, the state told the court that he posed a “significant risk” if released on bail, saying he could “interfere with witnesses, tamper with evidence, evade trial or commit further offences”.
Mbana was allegedly strangled and suffocated before her body was burned beyond recognition and abandoned in a forest along the N6 highway, towards Stutterheim.
State prosecutor Lerato Ngqinileyo argued that releasing Plaatjies would undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system, given the seriousness of the allegations.
The matter was postponed to 3 June 2026 for further investigation.
Plaatjies will remain in custody with his three co-accused, Temoso Manamela, 29, Aviwe Jilingisa, 40, and Gladys Rethabile Ramodi, 28, who previously abandoned their bail applications.
“The NPA remains committed to ensuring accountability, upholding the rule of law, and pursuing justice for victims of violent crime,” it said.
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