By OBAKENG MAJE
25 October 2024- Eight suspects who were arrested by a multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village, near Taung on 20 October 2024, are set to appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects (seven men and a woman) aged between 29 and 45, were arrested in Modutung village for allegedly committing the crimes after a missing girl, Rethabile Molapo’s burnt body was found and retrieved from an unused pit latrine.
Mokgwabone said following the discovery and the funeral of Molapo, some community members took the law into their own hands.
“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 police worked tirelessly to effect the arrest of eight suspects in the early hours of today for different offences that include attempted murder and kidnapping, arson, murder and malicious damage to property,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said all suspects are expected to appear in the Taung Magistrate’s Court on 28 October 2024. He added that investigations into the matter are underway and the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the success and commended the police who were involved in the investigation, tracing and subsequent arrests of the suspects. Kwena urged members of the community 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 community members have embarked on a protest. They have barricaded the internal road that links Magogong/Diplankeng and N18 road with stones and burning tyres demanding the release of those arrested.
The Guardian 