By REGINALD KANYANE
An urgent bail application in a murder case against four accused was postponed to 20 December 2022 by the Taung Magistrate’s Court. This comes after two children of the local businessman and alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (31) died on Tuesday afternoon after drowning.
Kabo Tshipane (5) and Kagoentle Phiri (6) were among four children who drowned while swimming in Manthe village near Taung. North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, Phiri, Tshipane, Oratile Sereo (7), and Omaatla Sereo (7) were playing in the water and drowned.
Only Katong’s co-accused persons, Thabang Lenyai (23) and Katlego Mosimege (31) took the stand. Bakang and Phenyo Katong could not take the stand because of the tragedy that has hit their family.
Four men were arrested for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35), who was one of their loyal customers after accusing him of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house at Manthe village, near Taung.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and transported him back to Manthe village.
“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival.
“The accused were arrested and charged with Thabiso’s murder,” Tselanyane said.
On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in armed and allegedly torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family. The murder case against the accused was initially postponed to 15 February 2022, but they made an urgent bail application for 22 November 2022, which was granted.
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