Picture: Sergio “Search” Gomes and his wife, Marlene “Ma-Totobola” Gomes/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
27 April 2026 – A dedicated task team has been deployed following a double murder and business robbery case reported in Mahikeng. The police said this decisive intervention follows a complaint received by police regarding a shooting incident in Golfview on the night of Friday, 24 April 2026.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said upon arrival at the scene, the police observed bloodstains on the pavement and discovered the body of a female, Marlene “Ma-Totobola” Gomes lying on the ground. Morake said the preliminary investigations revealed that her husband, Sergio “Search” Gomes had also been shot and had already been transported to hospital.
“Both victims were allegedly being shot by unknown suspects. Later that same night, the husband succumbed to his injuries at hospital. It is reported that the couple rushed from their main residence after being alerted that their son was being robbed at their business.
“Upon entering the business premises, located not far from the house, they encountered the suspects at the entrance. According to one of the robbery victims, six unknown suspects wearing masks and armed with firearms had entered the premises while they were inside the lounge,” she said.
Morake further said the suspects allegedly forced the victims to lie on the floor, threatened and assaulted them. She added that they then proceeded to rob them of several cell phones, an undisclosed amount of cash, a laptop, and the keys to a Ford Ranger, which was later used as a getaway vehicle.
“On Saturday morning, 25 April 2026, the stolen Ford Ranger was recovered abandoned in Magogoe village. Some of the stolen cell phones were also found discarded in the veld in the same area,” said Morake.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Rayno Naidoo has since assigned the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit to continue with investigations and to track down those responsible. Naidoo said the police investigations are ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage.
“Members of the public who may have information that could assist the police investigation are urged to contact Lieutenant Colonel Kotu on 079 897 1801, their nearest police station, or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be submitted via the MySAPS App on smartphones,” he said.
The Guardian 