Boyfriend Accused Of Killing Celebrity Pastry Chef Abandons Bail

The man accused of killing celebrity pastry chef Thembekile Letlape in May has abandoned his application for bail. Siboniso Zitha, facing multiple charges including murder, made a court appearance on Friday, according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Gauteng.

Thembekile Letlape was found dead at Zitha’s Douglasdale residence in Fourways on May 30, 2024. Zitha was arrested days after the murder.

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During his appearance at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court, the purpose was to serve Zitha with a provisional charge sheet and to set a date for a bail application hearing. However, the accused has since abandoned the bail application, as confirmed by NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.

Initially, Zitha was charged with the murder of Letlape. The state has now added two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and a charge of malicious damage to property.

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These additional charges were filed by his ex-girlfriend in November 2022 and will be consolidated with the murder charge.

The NPA revealed that Letlape’s family received a message from the deceased indicating she had been assaulted by her boyfriend.

They requested police assistance to her residence and, upon entry with a locksmith, discovered her body.

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Furthermore, the state intends to pursue an additional charge of perjury against Zitha for allegedly lying to the court about having pending cases, violating section 60(11)(b) of the Criminal Procedure Act.

The matter has been adjourned to August 19 for further investigation. The case continues to develop as the authorities work to bring justice for Thembekile Letlape.

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