Sibusiso Zitha, the man accused of murdering renowned pastry chef Thembekile Letlape, appeared in the Randburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 10 December, where his case was postponed to 17 January 2025. The delay is due to incomplete investigations, with crucial forensic findings and a child assessment report still pending.
The postponement was further complicated by the absence of Senior State Prosecutor Yusuf Baba, who failed to appear in court, causing additional setbacks in the proceedings. Zitha’s lawyer, Nthabiseng Dubazana, strongly objected to the delay, highlighting the extended duration of the case and the unclear status of the child’s statement, which had previously been used during the bail application.
Despite the objection, the court ruled to proceed with the postponement, citing the absence of the prosecutor. Dubazana expressed hope that by the next court date, there would be more progress, warning that if investigations remain unresolved, the case could be struck off the roll. She added that if that happens, Zitha could potentially walk free unless the matter is escalated to the Johannesburg High Court.
Zitha, aged 40, faces multiple charges including murder, domestic violence, malicious property damage, and perjury. Dubazana warned that if the case is removed from the roll, Zitha may be released until the investigation concludes or the case is revived in a higher court.
