Picture: The seven accused of arson at Manthe village, near Taung/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
The arson case against seven accused from Manthe village, near Taung was transferred to Taung Regional Court today and will resume on 17 May 2023. The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (41), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (46), Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (36), Ali Sakiele (50), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (38) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (32) briefly appeared before Taung Magistrate’s Court after they were arrested for arson.
The seven accused were arrested by the police in July 2022 during an intelligence-driven operation.
In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest and torched three houses and a vehicle belonging to the alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (32) after accusing him of murder. They also looted Katong’s Disoufeng tavern.
Bakang, his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) allegedly killed Thabiso Mothibedi (35) in cold blood.
The police preliminary investigation revealed that, on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Lenganeng village near Taung, and Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched and transported him back to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police have arrested seven suspects for arson and they were granted R500 bail each.”
Meanwhile, the accused had to acquire the services of the new lawyer, advocate Thabo Letsapa after the arrest and sentencing of their previous lawyer, advocate Tebogo Letloleleng.
Letloleng was arrested for stock theft and sentenced to 20 months in prison. He also has other pending cases in Gauteng. Seven accused are out on R500 bail each.
The Guardian 