By REGINALD KANYANE
21 July 2025 – A minor, who was apprehended for the alleged murder of Charles Junior Tshabalala (28), appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 17 July 2025. The suspect was arrested on 15 July 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said it is alleged that on 13 July 2025 at about 4am, the police in Letlhabile, were called to a local clinic wherein upon arrival, they found a man who was certified dead with a stab wound on his upper body. Tselanyane said as a result, a case of murder was registered.
“The preliminary investigation revealed that earlier that morning, the suspect allegedly stabbed the deceased, thereafter, attacking and stabbing another man on a public road at Sasol Section in Maboloka village.
“The victim was on his way home with his girlfriend and two men who were travelling in a vehicle, stopped after seeing the suspect dragging a woman known to them. The victim’s girlfriend alighted from the vehicle to try and help that woman and in the process, the suspect slapped her.
“The boyfriend then tried to intervene and he was attacked and stabbed with a sharp object on his neck by the suspect. Furthermore, information about the suspect was received and operationalised, thorough investigation by Letlhabile Detectives and Tracing Team leading to the arrest of the suspect (17) at Letlhakaneng village,” he said.
Tselanyane further said, during the arrest, the murder weapon was also recovered and confiscated. He added that the suspect is detained at a Juvenile Centre and is expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 29 July 2025, for legal aid assistance.
“He will also be processed in terms of the Child Justice Act,” said Tselanyane.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said the arrest of the teenager, who is not attending school and being taken care of by his grandmother, is a manifestation of the endemic wickedness and the society’s indifference to the maladies that are endemic in the communities, often ending in calamities such as murder, rape and drug addiction by the youth. Asaneng said it is worrisome that a teenager frequenting and already drinking liquor at a licensed tavern and surely neighbours, including the woman (29), who was rescued from him and others knew and were aware of his defiant behaviour which unfortunately has ended in the tragic loss of life.
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