By BAKANG MOKOTO
The accused, Bongane Shebi who was arrested for allegedly killing a nurse in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke is set to appear at Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court on Monday. This comes after Irish Mohokare was found murdered in her rented backroom with her throat slit open.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Mohokare’s bloodied body was discovered by her sister on 13 October 2022.
“She subsequently informed the police, who immediately started investigating. Shebi became a person of interest after police received information while doing investigations, that the accused was spotted not far from where the incident took place, walking on with bloodied clothes.
“The police then started looking for the accused and ultimately arrested him on 15 October 2022. Upon arrival at the police station, the accused informed them that he wants to tell the truth,” Mamothame said.
He further said, Shebi was subsequently taken in for a confession to be obtained and later took the police to point out where he had thrown away the bloodied clothes he was wearing.
Mamothame added that, the accused alleged that he was in the company of another person, but the motive only became clear in the accused person’s confession.
“He said they were intending to rob the deceased. He further alleges that, he is not the one who stabbed the deceased, but it was the person he was with.
“However, the police have indicated that, the evidence that was obtained at the scene, indicates that only one person was at the scene at the time of the commissioning of the offense,” said Mamothame.
He will remain in custody until the next court appearance, where he will be doing a formal bail application.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha condemned the brutal killing of Mohokare. Sambatha said Mohokare was recently promoted to the position of Facility Manager at Charon Clinic.
“Mohokare’s murder is devastating and we called on communities to protect women. As the department, we condemn the atrocity in the strongest terms. Mohokare was murdered only two days after assuming her new role.
“It is an unfortunate and disturbing reality that women in this country are no longer safe. Our communities and homes have become a haven for criminals, who prey on women and young girls,” he said.
Sambatha sent his heartfelt condolences messages to the bereaved family, colleagues, and friends.
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