By OBAKENG MAJE
Some aggrieved community members in Manthe village, near Taung, threatened to march to the Taung Police Station. This comes after the murder accused, Bakang “Mahommed” Katong (31) was seen walking ‘freely’ with three detectives at Taung Mall last week Saturday.
It is alleged that, Katong had challenges with his bank card and he was escorted to the bank to fix it.
However, this did not sit well with some community members. One of the dazed residents said the ‘incident’ confirms their suspicions that Katong is receiving ‘special’ treatment at Taung Police Station.
“Firstly, we are not happy at all regarding the special treatment these alleged murderers continue to endure. Our police are so incompetent and we cannot let anything pass them by.
“We were so startled to see Katong walking around with police instead of being incarcerated. Secondly, why the accused are kept at Taung Police Station holding cells, instead of being at the correctional services facilities?”
Katong was arrested along with his brother, Phenyo, Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) after they allegedly killed Thabiso “W” Mothibedi (35).
It is alleged that Mothibedi stole R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house two days before his ‘untimely’ death. The preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Lenganeng village near Taung, when the accused fetched and transported him to Manthe village.
Upon arrival, they allegedly chained the deceased to a generator and assaulted him. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to Manthe clinic by the accused for medical attention.
However, the deceased was certified dead and a murder case was opened.
NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said the suspects abandoned their bail application and the case was postponed until 18 October 2022.
Meanwhile, three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family were torched by irate community members on 1 May 2022.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the accused was booked out. The station management is currently trying to establish what necessitated the action. We will therefore respond fully soon after establishing the facts.”
The Guardian 