Parolee Accused Of Killing 14-Year-Old Likhona Fose Granted Bail But Remains In Custody Pending Parole Board Ruling

A man on parole for violent crimes has been granted bail after being accused of murdering 14-year-old Likhona Fose — but whether he walks free depends on the decision of the parole board.

Mduduzi Mnisi, who was released on parole in 2018 after serving nine years of an 18-year sentence for attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances, was granted R5,000 bail by magistrate Delize Smith on Wednesday.

However, due to alleged violations of his parole conditions, he will remain behind bars until the parole board determines his status.

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The state’s case suffered a blow when a key witness who had placed Mnisi with Fose shortly before her murder refused to consult with the prosecution. “The behaviour of this witness now at this stage … seems to be ducking and diving, and [she] even goes to stay in another address,” said Smith.

“A person is deemed to be innocent until proven guilty at the trial,” she added, ruling that the lack of tested evidence amounted to “exceptional circumstances” justifying bail.

Cellphone Records Back Alibi, but Parole Conditions Violated

Mnisi, who denied knowing Fose or having any involvement in her murder, told the court he was in Daveyton with friends at the time. Cellphone tower data confirmed his phone was in Daveyton on May 31, and later in Kagiso around 8pm.

He also called his girlfriend as a witness, who testified they were together at her Kagiso home that night and that he never left her sight.

However, parole officer Neo Lakaje testified that Mnisi had not received permission to be outside his jurisdiction — a violation of his parole conditions. Magistrate Smith emphasized that even though bail was granted, it would only be effective if the parole board ruled in his favour.

“If it is found that he broke his parole conditions, his bail will be forfeited, and he will remain in custody until the case concludes,” she said.

Strict Bail Conditions Set for Likhona Fose Murder Accused if Released

Should the parole board reinstate Mnisi’s parole, he will be confined to house arrest at his Durban Deep home for the duration of the trial.

“This means you cannot go and sleep with your girlfriend in Kagiso or with other people at different places,” Smith told him. “You must be at that address, and you are under house arrest for the duration of the trial.”

Mnisi is also prohibited from leaving the Roodepoort district or having any contact — directly or indirectly — with state witnesses.

Likhona Fose went missing on May 31 after leaving her home. Her dismembered body was discovered in Durban Deep the following day. The case has been postponed to Friday as the parole board deliberates Mnisi’s future.

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