Picture: Seven suspects, Odiseng Komane, Katlego Tikane, Obakeng Mogabale, Mothusi Motimeng, Ali Sakiele, Ontiretse Gosenyegang and Pretty Masibelele/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The arson case against seven accused from Manthe village, near Taung resumes at Taung Magistrate’s Court today. The court will hear from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to either continue with the case or not.
The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (41), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (46), Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (36), Ali Sakiele (50), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (38) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (32) were arrested by the police during an intelligence-driven operation in July 2022.
In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest and torched three houses and a vehicle belonging to the alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (34) after accusing him of murder. They also looted Katong’s Disoufeng tavern.
Bakang, his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) allegedly brutally killed Thabiso Mothibedi (35) in cold blood.
The police preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Lenganeng village near Taung, and Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched and transported him to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.
North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police have arrested seven suspects for arson and they were granted R500 bail each. They are expected to appear in court and investigations into the matter continue.”
Meanwhile, the accused had to acquire the services of the new lawyer, advocate Thabo Letsapa after the arrest and sentencing of their previous lawyer, advocate Tebogo Letloleleng.
Letloleng was arrested for stock theft and sentenced to 20 months in prison. He also has other pending cases in Gauteng. Seven accused are out on R500 bail each.
The Guardian 