By OBAKENG MAJE

28 October 2024- Eight suspects who were arrested for various offences such as attempted murder and kidnapping, arson, murder and malicious damage to property are set to appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court today. The suspects were arrested by a multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said those arrested are seven men and a woman aged between 29 and 45. Mokgwabone said they were arrested for allegedly committing the crimes after a missing girl, Rethabile Molapo’s burnt body was found and retrieved from an unused pit latrine. 

He further said following the discovery and the funeral of Molapo (11), some community members took the law into their own hands. Mokgwabone added that among others, they allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted the traditional healer’ son, Kopano Legodu (22), set alight the traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu’s house and ultimately killed her after she managed to get out of the house.  

“Moreover, goods were looted from a tavern and a tuckshop, which were then set ablaze. The investigations into the matter are underway and the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out,” he said.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the success and commended the police involved in the investigation, tracing and subsequent arrests of the suspects.  Kwena urged community members to remain calm and work with the police to ensure that all those who perpetrated acts of mob justice and the killing of a young girl are brought to book to face the full might of the law.     

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said: “We welcome the arrest of suspects, following the brutal murder of Mothusiemang-Legodu, after community members accused her of witchcraft. This came after the disappearance of a child in the village.

“Following the incidents, I went to visit the families of both the deceased to comfort them on their loss, but also to gather more information as to what transpired. After meeting with both families, I promised to leave no stone unturned in finding the killers of both child and the woman.”

Morweng said he promised when he was there on Wednesday that, they will not sleep until those who are responsible are brought to book. He said he have to congratulate the police for their swift response in ensuring that those who are responsible are brought to book.

“We will not rest until we are able to unravel these mysterious incidents happening in that village, we are not a banana republic. There is law and order that must be upheld, our community must have trust in us to protect them and we will do just that,” said Morweng.

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