Picture: The blankets that were allegedly used by initiates/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two suspects arrested for allegedly operating an illegal initiation school near Ramatlabama and Tsetse villages, outside Mahikeng, are expected to appear before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court for a formal bail application. Piet Tlotleng and Keotshepile Nkate are facing kidnapping charges and contravening the customary initiation act.
The police in Mahikeng and Lehurutshe apprehended three suspects aged between 24 and 30 on 29 June 2023 for kidnapping and contravening Custom Initiation Act, 2021 Act No. 2 of 2021).
According to the North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani, the suspects were arrested after parents reported missing children at Mahikeng and Lehurutshe Police Stations. Funani further said investigations led the police to an illegal initiation school near or between Ramatlabama and Tsetse villages, outside Mahikeng.
“The preliminary investigations suggest that the three suspects mobilised unsuspecting young boys from villages around Mahikeng and Lehurutshe to join the initiation school. Moreover, they would call the parents and demand money for the safety of the victims after recruiting these young boys.
“Consequently, about 40 initiates between the ages of 15 and 20 were rescued. The illegal schools were closed while the boys were taken to a local hospital where they were treated. Bongani Moatlhodi (24), who was arrested at Lonely Park by Lehurutshe police, appeared at Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court in connection with a kidnapping of a boy (16),” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the police for swiftly rescuing the boys and arresting the suspects.
TaungDailyNews 