By OBAKENG MAJE

An attempted murder and premeditated murder case against a local businessman and owner of Meat Brothers Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41) is expected to resume at Taung Magistrate’s Court todaybfor formal bail application.

Mangwegape’s arrest comes after he allegedly shot and killed the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injured his childhood friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33) during a commotion at the Meat Brothers Pub on 16 December 2023.

Mdi and Kokwe were amongst patrons who visited the well-packed establishment to have fun. It is alleged that the security guards refused entry to patrons who did not have Identification Documents (IDs) and that led to a stampede.

Mdi and Kokowe allegedly tried to gain entry forcefully and that allegedly prompted Mangwegape to pull out a gun and shoot at them. Mdi was fatally shot, while his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds for medical attention.

On 27 December 2023, Mangwegape’s attorney, Isang Nakale from Isang Nakale Attorneys, told the court that his daughter was due for operation and she needs his presence hence he cannot continue with bail application hearing. The case was postponed to 3 January 2024 for formal bail application.

The new magistrate, Botsile Thaga from Ganyesa was roped in after the presiding magistrate, Thataotsile Matolong, recused himself from the case. Matolong said this case has ‘drawn a lot of attention’ and raised concerns, especially on various social media platforms.

“I would like to recuse myself from this case to ensure that justice prevails. This case has raised various concerns, especially on social media platforms. So, to ensure that our people still have trust in the justice system, we will allow the magistrate who resides outside Taung to preside over the case.

“I would also encourage the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and South Africa Police Service (SAPS) to appoint personnel who work outside Taung to deal with this matter,” he said.

One of the community leaders in Manokwane village, Kgakololo Koji said: “We are happy that the accused has been remanded in custody and the case has been changed to premeditated murder. According to the law, no one who is facing premeditated murder should be granted bail.

“So, we call on the community members in Taung to come out in numbers on 3 January 2024 to show the state that, as community members, we are angry at what the accused has done. We say no to bail because if he is released on bail, we cannot guarantee his safety because people might take the law into their own hands.”

A member of the ANCYL in Taung, Tshepo Mothibi said as the ANCYL, they condemn the barbaric atrocity that took place at the Meat Brothers Pub.

“We are here in support of the family and we welcome the recusal of the magistrate in this case. You will remember that, there are a lot of concerns on social media due to what has happened,” he said.

Meanwhile, the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) Deputy Secretary in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Mothohela Dikhai shared the same sentiments. Dikhai said the heinous crime allegedly committed by Mangwegape left the bereaved family devastated.

“We were shocked to see a businessman killing a reveller. We also welcome the decision taken by the magistrate and the investigating officer after they recused themselves from the case,” he said.

Mangwegape also had a “warrant of arrest” against him in a separate matter.

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