By BAKANG MOKOTO
North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari welcomed the arrest of a suspect (23) in the murder case of Roman Catholic Church leader, Rev Joseph Hollanders.
Hollanders’ body was discovered at a missionary house in Bodibe village near Lichtenburg on Monday. North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said police in Itsoseng arrested a man for the alleged murder of Hollanders (83), whose body was discovered at his house within church premises at about 13:45 on Monday.
“According to information available at this stage, reports suggest that the victim’s body with hands and feet tied-up was found by a community member who alerted the police.
“Since the incident was reported, the police have been working around the clock and managed to arrest the suspect on Wednesday night, which is two days after the incident was reported,” Myburgh said.
She said the suspect was arrested at his home in Bodibe and a cellular phone allegedly belonging to Hollanders was found in his possession. Myburgh further said the suspect is expected to appear at Itsoseng Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena congratulated the investigating officers for ensuring that the perpetrator was brought to book. He said the police will continue to work hard to ensure that all people are and feel safe.
Meanwhile, Lehari said: “The motive for this heinous criminal act is yet to be established and we call upon the police to speedily conduct a post mortem to determine the cause of death. We send our heartfelt condolences to the family of the bereaved and the church members Hollanders was ministering.
“I was so disturbed to hear of this sad news. The death of Hollanders is a great loss to you, me, elderly people, children, youth and the entire society. My sympathy goes particularly, to his family, the churches, the community of Bodibe and surrounding villages as well as the society in general.”
The Guardian 