Cokonyane alleged serial rapist remains in custody

By Obakeng Maje
Taung-A case of Cokonyane alleged serial rapist and murderer Gaopalelwe Sedimo,21, was postponed for further investigations.

Sedimo was arrested after he allegedly raped, kidnapped a 16 year-old girl, Tsholofelo Thobi and allegedly murdered her grandfather Joseph Thobi,56.

Police said Sedimo allegedly visited Thobi’s family on Saturday prior the atrocity. He allegedly sat with Joseph Thobi under the tree and chat.
On Sunday the following day, Sedimo allegedly came to the house and tried to enter Tsholofelo Thobi’s shanty where she was sleeping.

Police said Tsholofelo was allegedly sitting with her grandfather Joseph Thobi at his bedroom and left at around 00:15 to go and sleep. She allegedly heard someone on top of the shanty trying to remove corrugated iron to gain entrance.

She allegedly screamed after she swa Sedimo’face.

Tsholofelo said she screamed for help and heard someone talking to her grandfather few minutes afterwards.

It was alleged that Sedimo kicked opened the Shanty’s door opened and kidnapped Tsholofelo and stabbed her with a knife.

Sedimo took Tsholofelo to his residential area where rape took place, according to Investigating Officer, Solomon Kagisho Phemelo.

Phemelo said Sedimo allegedly stabbed the victim two times on a shoulder and locked her up in the bedroom. Tsholofelo allegedly escape from Sedimo’s bedroom through the window and was taken home by the suspect’s father.

Police said Tsholofelo found people gathered at her home and was told that Joseph Thobi was allegedly stabbed to death.

However Sedimo’s lawyer refutes the claim that connect Sedimo with murder, kidnapping and rape.

Loeto Ikanyeng said his client will plead not guilty on all charges. He said Sedimo and Tsholofelo allegedly had cosensual sex and were lovers and still are.

Ikanyeng claims that Sedimo did not stab nor kill the grandfather and he will elaborates more during trial.

He argues that Sedimo must be granted bail as he is no threat to anyone including the victim. Ikanyeng said Sedimo will relocates to another area and will not bother nor interfer with investigations.

Sedimo’skeletons came out of the closet like dinosaurs fleeing Juriseen park as his two separated pending case were brought forward.

The Cokonyane-born man was remanded in custody and will appear back in court on 08 January 2014.

Sedimo will not plead guilty on all charges.
Police investigations continue.
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Taung taxi owner to spend Christmas and New year in custody

By Obakeng Maje
Taung-A case of Taung prominent taxi owner Xolani Lloyd Nkonyane was postponed for formal bail application.

The court postponed the case against Nkonyane after the investigating officer lieutenant Medupe did not appear before court as he was committed in other matters.

The despondent family of Nkonyane left court with tears as the lawyer could not convince the magistrate why Nkonyane must granted bail.

His lawyer Nakale argues that his client is not flight risk and said Nkonyane has assets worth a R1m.

He said a 34 year-old suspect has a child whom he is taking care of financial, so if he is not granted bail, his business interest suffers.

Nkonyane alleged owns taxi, livestock, catering and welding companies.

He was subsequently arrested in connection of business robbery and and attempted murder in Molelema village, near Taung.

Nkonyane was cornered at Picong village,almost 30km away from the crime scene. He was allegedly driving a minibus taxi that was used during commission of crime.

Nakale his client was allegedly assaulted during the arrested and his right were compromised.

A chinese shop owner was sunsequently robbed in Molelema village, near Taung three weeks ago and community members allegedly came to the owner’s rescue and chased after suspects.

Five suspects allegedly opened fire at the community members, but no one was injured.

Police were called and a chase continues. Nkonyane and other suspects were cornered, but four suspects managed to escape.

According to Nkonyane, he was allegedly hired to transport people to Molelema village and he was suprised when he was ordered to stop alsmost 30km away from crime scene.

Nkonyane said he was assaulted by contigent of police and was arrested afterwards.

Police never explained why they arrest him and was disappointed to learn about the nature of charges he is facing, said Nkonyane.

The case was postponed for 06 January 2014 for formal bail application and Nkonyane will spend christmas and New year behind bars.

He was previously found guilty in two cases of malicious damage to property and assault.

Police investigations continue.-TDN
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