By OBAKENG MAJE
Two of four men who were arrested for kidnapping and robbery, briefly appeared at the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 28 February 2024. Samuel Modise Pholo (41) and Thabo Petrus Lehihi (46), were arrested after their attorney handed them over to the police.
North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said on 19 May 2022, one of the suspects allegedly called a farmer (55) and pretended to be buying cattle from him. Myburgh further said on their way to the farm on the N14 road between Vryburg and Delareyville, the vehicle was stopped.
“Three suspects, who pretended to be police officers, ordered the victim to climb into another vehicle and were kidnapped to Randfontein. Furthermore, he was threatened with a firearm and money was withdrawn from his bank account. He was ultimately left stranded in Klerksdorp.
“The police investigations conducted led to the arrest of all four suspects on 25 May 2022 and they were all granted bail. After numerous court appearances, the case was provisionally withdrawn. However, a warrant of arrests was then authorized, which led to the re-arrest of the first two suspects, Maloisane Maritius Khaue (50) and Lebameng Anderson Lepholletsa (44) at their homes in Wolmaranstad on 20 February 2024,” she said.
Myburgh added that they both appeared in court on 21 February 2024 and were granted R1000 bail. She said the case was postponed to 8 February 2024, and their attorney was ordered by court to hand in the outstanding accused.
“The possibility of linking the accused to other cases is under investigation. They were both granted R1000 bail and the case was postponed to 22 March 2024 to determine a Regional Court date,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated members of the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit for their efforts and dedication, which resulted in the apprehension of the accused. Kwena also thanked the attorney for handing over his clients as ordered by court.
The Guardian 