By OBAKENG MAJE

Two suspects who were arrested for premeditated murder, assault, kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice were remanded in custody by the Taung Magistrate’s Court until 4 January 2022 for formal bail application.

Rebaone Malekanyo (32) and Tumelo Tlonkwe (31) were arrested for the alleged murder of the former Vaaltar FM presenter and a socialite, Tshepang Seelo (32). According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame, Seelo was allegedly killed on 31 October 2021, while walking from a local tavern with his girlfriend in Modimong village near Taung.

The deceased allegedly saw the duo stealing roof sheets from a certain house and called them out. Malekanyo and Tlonkwe allegedly assaulted, kidnapped and killed him before dumping his body.

Seelo’s girlfriend allegedly ran away and escaped unharmed.

Seelo’s lifeless body was found floating in a furrow in Khibitswane village near Taung on 3 November 2021. It is alleged that his body was mutilated and his eyes and tongue were missing.

“The two suspects were arrested on 2 November 2021 after they handed themselves over to the police. The Taung Magistrate’s Court postponed the case to 4 January 2022 for formal bail application. The accused will remain in police custody until their next court appearance,” Mamothame said.

Meanwhile, the community of Modimong village near Taung are up in arms and accused the investigating officer of being incompetent. Taung Community against Crime organisation chairperson, Peggy Molatlhegi said they have signed petitions.

“We have signed petitions calling on the SAPS to remove the investigating officer from this case. We have realised that the investigating officer is not highly experienced to handle a case of this magnitude.

“He is also from Manthe village where the area is crime-prone. We also believe that he is not safe. We urge that the accused be granted bail because we have lost faith in our justice system. We want them to be released because there is no need to have false hopes knowing exactly that they will be granted bail,” she said.

Molatlhegi further said they believe that when the accused are outside, they will realise how the community feels about their alleged actions.

Some community members shared the same sentiments.

Seelo’s aunt, Lesego Chupane said: “We feel short-changed by the police regarding investigations in this saga. The police never bothered to visit us as a bereaved family and give an update.    

“We are crestfallen and we urge the police to perform their duties diligently. We do not know if these two suspects were arrested in connection with Seelo’s murder or they were arrested for stock-theft case.”

One of the residents, Lucky Kwate said they are not happy after the court postponed the matter.

“Truly, we are not happy after the court postponed the matter. We urge the court to speed-up this case and ensure that justice prevails. We will wait for 4 January 2022 and see if these suspects are granted bail.

“We will discuss the next step as the community on what will happen if they are granted bail. We do not think it will be an ideal for the court to grant them bail because we do not know what will happen afterwards,” he said.

Kwate further said, as a community of Modimong, they are sick and tired of criminal activities taking place in their area.  

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