Picture: Three of the four accused persons, Bakang Katong, Phenyo Katong and Katlego Mosimege/ Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
A murder case against four accused persons took a bewildering direction today at Taung Regional Court. This comes after the lawyer of the defence told the court that, his clients intend to plead guilty on the matter. The alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (32), Thabang Lenyai (23) and Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34) were arrested more than a year ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35) in cold blood.
They accused Mothibedi of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in 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 ferried 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 murder,” Tselanyane said.
On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family.
Meanwhile, the court also heard that, there is a letter from the community members requesting that the murder case be transferred to the North West High Court in Mahikeng owing to its nature. Apparently, the docket was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West to make a decision.
The case was postponed to 13 June 2023.
The Guardian 