Taung – A man accused of rape, murder, kidnapping and robbery appeared in the Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday, North West police said.

Serame Mapedi, 23, would be back in court on December 3 when he was expected to bring a formal application for bail, said Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone.

Mapedi was arrested in Buxton village on Thursday. His alleged accomplice, 24, was killed while attacking the police with a knife.

On November 16, they allegedly hijacked and kidnapped 41-year-old Ephraime Thejane and his female companion, said Mokgwabone.

“Thejane was removed from the car and taken into the bush where he was shot and killed. The woman was allegedly gang raped in Dryharts.”

Thejane’s body was spotted and removed from a stream in Matolong village on Tuesday after a search by various police units.

“During the investigation, police followed leads to a house in extension six in Taung, where a confrontation took place with one of the suspects,” he said.

“The police members penetrated the house after the suspect refused to open the door. The suspect was allegedly shot and died on the scene while trying to stab police officials with a knife.”

Mapedi was traced and arrested in Buxton village, about 10 kilometres away.

Sapa