By OBAKENG MAJE
A murder case against four men from Manthe village in Taung is expected to resume today at Taung Magistrate’s Court. The alleged drug lord Bakang “Mahomed” Katong (31), Thabang Lenyai (23), Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) were arrested a few months ago in connection with the brutal murder of the late Thabiso 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 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.”
The deceased’ sister, Boingotlo Mothibedi (37) said: “It is difficult to see my brother’s life being cut short by alleged drug lords. Even though Thabiso was not perfect, he was a peaceful person, who loved to engage positively with people.
“So, what happened to him is inhumane. 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 on a daily basis.”
She alleged that the perpetrators used her brother and killed him afterward.
Meanwhile, three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family were torched by irate community members on 1 May 2022.
The Guardian 