close-up of man holding knife smeared with blood and still dripping.
By STAFF REPORTER
A 32-YEAR-OLD man will remain in custody after being denied bail by the Taung Magistrate’s Court recently. A Manthe-born man, Tshepo Lenyai was arrested for murder after he allegedly stabbed Kamogelo Lekaota (18) to death during Easter weekend this year.
North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said in a statement that the commotion between the two allegedly ensued over alcohol.
“Taung police received a call from the Manthe clinic at around 3:30am. The police rushed to the scene and found Lekaota’s lifeless body in a pool of blood with stabbing wounds. He was stabbed on the left side of his chest.
“According to information, the deceased was ferried to the clinic for medical attention, but he succumbed to his injuries. A man was arrested and charged with murder,” he said.
However, this statement was vehemently refuted by the deceased’s family and alleged that the atrocity was orchestrated by criminal activities. According to Lekaota’s family, Lenyai allegedly robbed Kamogelo and his friends of their personal belongings before stabbing him to death.
Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Agency (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said: “Lenyai briefly appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court last Wednesday for formal bail application. However, he was denied bail after he failed to disclose his previous convictions, outstanding evidentiary evidence, and the state argued that he might intimidate state witnesses.
“The degree of violence in the charge against the accused was also taken into consideration including a pending case of assault GBH against him. The community will also not be pleased and his safety might be in jeopardy if released on bail.”
Lenyai is set to be back in court on 23 June 2021, while investigations continue.
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