In a shocking turn of events, Samuel Masemola (37), the accused in the double murder case involving Gratitude Maluleke and Arnold Andzani Mashaba, has decided to abandon his bail application at the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court.
Masemola faces charges of two counts of murder and attempted murder stemming from an incident that occurred in the early hours of October 15, 2023, near the BlueRoom nightclub in Pretoria Central.
According to reports, Masemola, driving out of the nightclub’s parking lot, allegedly nearly struck the female victim, who was standing with her husband and a friend. An altercation ensued when the husband and friend confronted Masemola about the incident.
The situation escalated when Masemola reportedly retrieved a firearm from the trunk of his vehicle and opened fire on the victims. Tragically, both Gratitude Maluleke and Arnold Andzani Mashaba lost their lives at the scene, while their friend managed to escape but sustained gunshot wounds to his leg.
After weeks of pursuit, the police received a tip regarding Masemola’s whereabouts on November 13, 2023. Subsequently, he was called to appear at the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court, where the complainant identified him, leading to his immediate arrest.
The court proceedings have now been postponed to December 11, 2023, for further legal proceedings and case allocation.
The community remains in shock as they await justice for the senseless killing of the couple, and the decision by Masemola to abandon his bail application adds another layer of complexity to an already tragic case. The court date in December will undoubtedly be a crucial moment in determining the course of justice for the victims and their families.