By OBAKENG MAJE
A man who is accused of murdering the Roman Catholic Church leader, Rev Joseph Hollanders in Bodibe village near Lichtenburg will remain in custody until 24 January 2020.
Thabang Maseko (23) briefly appeared at Itsoseng Magistrate’s Court in Itsoseng on Friday facing a murder charge.
It is alleged that Maseko entered the missionary house in Bodibe on Monday and tied up Hollanders’ feet and hands before killing him. The victim was found by a passerby who informed the police.
North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the police found the cellphone allegedly belonging to Hollanders in Maseko’s possession. Now, South African Ministers Council (SAMC) representative, Bishop Maria Mabote calls for the ‘return of the death penalty.
Now, South African Ministers Council (SAMC) representative, Bishop Maria Mabote calls for the ‘return of the death penalty.
“We are devastated after what happened to Hollanders. He was the man of the cloth and we call on justice system to bring back death penalty. We cannot continue to live as if everything is normal, while innocent people are killed like flies,” said Mabote.
Meanwhile, ANCWL in North West condemned the incident. ANCWL acting secretary, Bitsa Lenkopane said the faith leaders play a crucial role in building the society.
“As the ANCWL, we are shocked after the death of Hollanders. The incident brings more questions about whether our people understand the relationship between faith leaders and society.
“The churches play a crucial role within our communities and our people need to understand that. The perpetrator/s need to understand that churches are holy, now imagine entering that area and commit such heinous crime?” Lekopane said.
Lutheran Church leader in Bodibe, Pastor Ruben Menwe said he worked with Hollanders during apartheid. Menwe added that Hollanders was selfless and dedicated to uplift the Bodibe community.
“He arrived here during apartheid and dedicated his life to the community. Now, we are afraid to live in missionaries because of these attacks. However, we believe that the justice system will do the right thing by curbing all criminals out of our communities.
“We cannot continue to live like this and we call for calmness while the justice prevails. We know our people are hurt by what happened, however, two wrongs do not make it right. Those who committed this murder need to receive a harsher sentence,” he said.
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