The police in Taung are investigating an inquest case after a sangoma trainee (32) drowned in a dam at Leshobo village near Taung on 4 May 2022. North West police spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati cluster, Sgt Tryphosa van Rooyen said, it is alleged that the deceased, Boitshepo Sapelo and other trainees were busy with their rituals under the leadership of his “Gobela” when the atrocity took place.
“It is alleged that they were dipping themselves in the water and all of a sudden, Sapelo who is originally from Vryburg, disappeared in the water. According to information provided, a search for him commenced and his lifeless body re-surfaced after a few minutes. The police were immediately summoned to the scene and a case of inquest was registered,” van Rooyen said.
She further said investigation into the matter continues.
Picture: The deceased, Thabiso Mothibedi (35)/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A family of Thabiso Mothibedi (35) from Manthe village in Taung, who was killed said, they want justice to prevail. Four suspects who were arrested in connection with his death briefly appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court on 9 May 2022.
Thabiso’s sister, Boingotlo Mothibedi (37) said, it is difficult to see her brother’s life being cut short by alleged drug lords. She said Thabiso was a peaceful person, who loved to engage positively with people.
“What has happened to Thabiso is inhumane and we call on the justice system to deal harshly with the perpetrators. It is not only Thabiso’s life that has been lost because of drugs, but so many lives of young people are being destroyed. They have used my brother and killed him afterwards, so we call for no bail for them,” she said.
One of the community leaders, Ali Sakiele shared the same sentiments. Sakiele said they came out in numbers to attend court proceedings because they want to send out a stern warning to all drug lords in their area.
“We are sick and tired of those who sell drugs to our young people. So, we have attended this murder case because the suspects have allegedly killed a young boy because of drugs. As the community of Manthe, we have taken a decision that we do not want to see anyone selling drugs anymore in our area.
“We urge the magistrate to deny the alleged perpetrators bail. We came to court to show support and to address our grievances in a coordinated manner. Drugs destroy many lives and livelihoods including dividing families, so as the community, we say #EnoughIsEnough.”
A prominent businessman, Bakang “Mahomed” Katong (31), Thabang Lenyai (23), Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34) and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) who were arrested and charged with Thabiso’s murder abandoned their bail application.
It is alleged that Thabiso stole R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house two days before his ‘untimely’ death. Thabiso was buried on Saturday.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said: “The preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Lenganeng village near Taung, when the suspects fetched and transported him to Manthe village. Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted.
“After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to Manthe clinic by a group of men and requested nurses to check if he was still alive. However, Mothibedi was certified dead upon arrival.”
NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the suspects abandoned their bail application and the case was postponed until 7 June 2022.
Meanwhile, three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family were torched by irate community members on 1 May 2022. Another community member, Mothusi Motimeng said: “I blame Baga-Maidi Tribal Authority including incompetent police for all these shenanigans happening in our area.
“Everybody can see what is happening and as community members, we have been complaining about these drug lords, who sell nyaope to our youths. Now, these nyaope addicts broke into our houses, stole properties and sold them, so that they can get money to feed their cravings.”
Motimeng further accused the alleged drug lords of using the deceased for their own benefits and killed him afterwards. He said as a community, they say #EnoughIsEnough because many communities are suffering from the effects of drug addiction and its wide-ranging impact.
Still on the murder case, Katong may be acquitted from the case after his accomplice, Lenyai allegedly cleared him of any wrongdoings. According to a highly-placed source within the police force, Lenyai allegedly wrote on his official statement that Katong, who has other pending cases, never participated in the crime and he was also not at the crime scene during the commission of the crime.
FIVE awaiting trial detainees escaped from the Zeerust Police Station on Sunday at around 10:30am, says the North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone. Mokgwabone said the escapees, Joshua Sibanda (39), Amogelang Motsiane (36), Tshepiso Kwenampe (22), Bengu Hlanganane (31) and Enoch Lebeloane (46) allegedly overpowered a police officer at Zeerust Police Station holding cells, then took cells key and ultimately escaped.
“At the time of escape, the detainees were among others, facing charges of house robbery, rape, attempted murder, business robbery and aggravated robbery. None of the escapees has been re-arrested and members of the community are urged not to attempt to re-arrest them, but rather call the nearest police station as the escapees are presumed to be dangerous.
“Alternatively, the Investigating Officer, Captain Basimane Molefe can be contacted on 076 510 8285. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via MySAPS App or by calling Crime Stop number: 08600 10111,” Mokgwabone said.
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