By OBAKENG MAJE
14 November 2026 – A 32-year-old man accused of fatally knocking down a seven-year-old girl, Lebone Mecwi, and fleeing the scene has been remanded in custody following his appearance before the Taung Magistrate’s Court. The tragic incident occurred on the morning of 8 November 2026, along the D201 road in Lokgabeng village, near Taung.
The accused, identified as Tlotlego Donovan Moeng, was arrested following intensive investigations and intelligence gathering by a multidisciplinary police team.
North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh, said an intelligence-driven operation was conducted on 9 November 2026 at approximately 22:35. Myburgh said the operation involved members of Northern Cape Crime Intelligence, Taung Crime Prevention, Taung Detectives and the station commander.
“Acting on information gathered during the investigation, the multidisciplinary team proceeded to Mokasa 1 Village, where the suspect, identified as Tlotlego Donovan Moeng, was traced and arrested.
“Further information obtained during the operation led the team to Christiana, where the vehicle suspected to have been involved in the fatal collision was traced and recovered,” she said.
Myburgh further said the recovered vehicle, a seven-seater Renault Triber, has been secured and booked in at Taung Police Station for further investigation and forensic examination. She added that Moeng made his first brief appearance before the Taung Magistrate’s Court on 12 November 2026, where he faced charges of culpable homicide, hit-and-run and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice.
“He was remanded in custody pending his next court appearance,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the North West Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, welcomed the arrest and the recovery of the vehicle allegedly involved in the fatal collision. Adams said the successful operation demonstrated the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) commitment to ensuring accountability and pursuing justice for victims of crime.
“I would like to commended the police officers involved for their coordinated efforts, effective intelligence gathering and swift response, which led to the suspect’s arrest and the recovery of the vehicle.
“The SAPS remains committed to pursuing those who disregard the law and place the lives of innocent community members at risk. Incidents involving hit-and-run collisions, particularly those resulting in the loss of young lives, will be thoroughly investigated to ensure that those responsible are brought before the courts,” he said.
Adams said the arrest marks an important development in the investigation into the death of young Lebone, whose life was tragically cut short in the incident.
