By Palesa Matlala
- The National Prosecuting Authority says phone records and witness statements show that Mduduzi Mnisi was not the last person seen with Likhona Fose.
- The family of Likhona Fose says they never accused Mduduzi Mnisi and they trust police will find the real killer as investigations continue.
Mduduzi Mnisi, who was accused of killing and mutilating 14-year-old Likhona Fose, is now a free man after prosecutors dropped the case against him.
The grade 8 pupil’s body was found in an open field near her home in Durban Deep, Roodepoort, in June 2025. Mnisi, who is out on parole, was arrested and spent almost two months in jail.
He has always denied killing Likhona. Mnisi told the court to check his cellphone records and to speak to his girlfriend, Pinky, who was his alibi.
The National Prosecuting Authority said his phone was linked to towers in Daveyton and Kagiso on the day of the murder.
Gauteng spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said: “The decision to withdraw the charge against Mnisi was based on the information that suggests that he was not the last person to be seen with the deceased.”
She added that four new witness statements confirmed Mnisi could not have been the last person seen with Likhona.
Likhona’s uncle, Mthombeli Fose, said the family never accused Mnisi. “We believe the police are still doing a thorough investigation and we trust that the real perpetrator will be found,” he said.
The case is still open and the authorities are asking the community to help bring the real killer to justice.
Pictured above: Parolee, Mduduzi Mini, who was accused of murdering 14-year-old Likhona Fose.
Image source: X
