By BAKANG MOKOTO
Four accused who were arrested for allegedly killing 8 people and injuring 13 others at a tavern in Kanana Township, Orkney in the early hours of Saturday morning, were remanded in custody until 7 August 2024.
The accused allegedly arrived at the tavern looking for Basotho nationals, then randomly fired shots and instantly killed seven people. They then allegedly took the CCTV system, cash from the till and snooker table.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said it is alleged that the accused further robbed patrons of their cell phones and fled the scene.
Mokgwabone added that the accused were arrested by a multi-disciplinary team comprising of the Provincial Organised Crime, Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Murder & Robbery, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team (TRT), as well as Dr Kenneth Kaunda District and Kanana Detectives.
“Four suspects who are all Lesotho foreign nationals aged between 24 and 38, were arrested in Klerksdorp and Kanana Township respectively. During the arrests, the team seized a Toyota Hilux Double Cab bakkie and more than 82 ammunition of different calibres.
“They are facing eight counts of murder, 13 of attempted murder and unlawful possession of ammunition. The matter against four accused whose names cannot be revealed due to ongoing investigations, will be back in court on 7 August 2024,” he said.
Mokgwabone said they are also likely to face charges relating to contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002. The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrest of the suspects.
Meanwhile, the Convenor of the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said: “We applauded the swift arrest of 8 suspects arrested in connection with the recent Kanana tavern murders that claimed 8 lives over the weekend.
“The culprits were arrested soon after the shooting incident by a multidisciplinary team of detectives. MRM said that such commendable actions will restore public confidence in policing and the criminal justice system.
“This is a welcomed relief as the shocking incidents of senseless violence had raised anxiety levels within the respective communities, which are still reeling with shock.”
Kgwele said the recovery of firearms and 82 rounds of ammunition suggest that had they remained on the loose, more lives could have been lost. He appealed to the court to deny the accused bail to send a strong message that those involved in senseless violence that has robbed families of their loved ones have no place in society.
“Their successful prosecution and conviction will bolster police morale, encourage local action to defeat crime syndicates run by ruthless criminals that have no regard for the sanctity and value of human lives,” he said.
The Guardian 