Sibusiso Zitha, boyfriend of the late pastry chef Thembekile Letlape, made his second appearance on Friday morning at the Randburg magistrate’s court.
Zitha, 40, first appeared in court on Monday, when he was arrested after being on the run for several days.
According to reports, Letlape’s father, Kgosi, who is the former South African Medical Association chairperson and founder of the African Medical Association, went looking for her after she sent her mother a concerning text message.
In a video circulating on social media, Zitha, seemingly confessed to killing Letlape, claiming that it was a mistake.
Suspect confessed upon arrest
He can be heard saying: “It was a mistake, and that’s why I’m confessing. I’m eternally regretful and that’s why I’m confessing because I can’t take it back.”
Letlape’s body was found at Zitha’s house in Fourways, north of Johannesburg, last week Thursday. During his first appearance on Monday, the accused requested legal aid.
On Friday, Zitha made a brief appearance. The magistrate asked him if he had any pending cases related to gender-based-violence or protection orders against him.
The accused told the court that he had none. However, senior prosecutor Yusuf Baba told the court that Zitha has a pending warrant of arrest for assault. Baba said assault charges would be added to the charge sheet against Zitha.
Matter postponed, suspect has pending assault charges
The matter was postponed to next week Thursday to arrange a bail application date for Zitha.
The memorial service for Letlape, who was commonly known as the Pastry Princess, took place on Wednesday evening. The 38-year-old beloved chef was the founder of The Pastry Princess. It is a bespoke patisserie that specialises in weddings and specialty cakes, desserts, high tea, confectionaries and pastries.
Letlape’s funeral service is currently underway at the Bryanston Methodist Church. She will be laid to rest at Fourways Memorial Park.
