By OBAKENG MAJE
Eight suspects allegedly belonging to the SVK gang briefly appeared in the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on 29 December 2023. The accused persons, Tebogo Shadrack Bonokwane (42), Buhle Kotokwane (19), Tshediso Frank Lekitlane (33), Thabang Pana Maseko (26), Rankabi Mohlomi (35), Kholisile Petrus (36), Lesedi Sekhonyane (19) and Thabang Selebalo (25) were arrest in the early hours of Thursday morning (28 December 2023) in Kanana Township, near Orkney.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Sam Tselanyane said it is alleged that a man (25) was walking home when he was robbed of his cell phone by some of the gang members at around 9pm on 16 December 2023. Tselanyane further said the suspects allegedly threatened the victim with knives and knobkerries.
“However, he managed to flee and ultimately went to one of the gang members’ home accompanied by his two brothers to demand the cellular phone back. The trio came across the suspect in the street and when they asked him about the cellular phone, he ran home.
“Thereafter, the trio told the suspect that they were proceeding to the police station to lay a charge. They were walking back home when they met with other SVK gang members, who allegedly chased the victim and his two brothers,” he said.
Tselanyane added that in the process, the complainant was allegedly stabbed with a knife on the face, while his brothers were also stoned and sustained injuries. He said the gang members allegedly proceeded to the victims’ place and pelted it with stones.
“This resulted in damaging the windows and a door. The suspects allegedly fled the scene afterward. A case with charges of robbery aggravating and malicious damage to property was laid with the police and transferred to Anti-Gang Unit for further investigation
“On 28 December 2023, members of the unit conducted a suspect raid around Kanana Township, where eight suspects were arrested and detained. They were remanded in custody and their case was postponed until 5 January 2024 for a formal bail application,” said Tselanyane.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the Anti-Gang Unit members for their prompt reaction that resulted in the arrest of the accused persons. Kwena said this will send out a clear message that crime does not pay.
The Guardian 