By OBAKENG MAJE

A bail hearing judgement against a local businessman and the former owner of Meat Brothers Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape, who is facing attempted murder and murder case has been postponed to 22 January 2024 by the Taung Magistrate’s Court.

Mangwegape briefly appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court on Friday. He is accused of killing NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injuring his friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33).

Mdi and Kokwe were amongst patrons, who visited The Meat Brothers Pub that was fully packed. It is alleged that the security guards refused entry to patrons who did not have Identification Documents (IDs) and that led to a stampede.

Mdi and Kokowe allegedly tried to gain entry forcefully and the owner of the establishment, Mangwegape, allegedly pulled out a gun and shot at them. Mdi was fatally shot and his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds.

The presiding magistrate in this case, Botsile Thaga was not available today in court due to other commitments in Bray Magistrate’s Court. The interim magistrate, Jenny Manxeba postponed the matter to 22 January 2024 to allow Thaga to be available.

Meanwhile, the ANCYL spokesperson in North West, Molebang Mohlomi said in a statement that they condemn violence meted against patrons at The Meat Brothers.

“It is alleged that security guards and bouncers unleashed live ammunition towards unarmed civilians, who were trying to gain access to the establishment. This barbaric behaviour bothers public safety.

“This shows how business owners lack respect for their clients. A clinical approach to review licences of public places must be applied to ensure those who are bestowed with the responsibility to protect patrons are PSIRA compliant,” he said.

Mohlomi further said they send their heartfelt condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones. He added that, equally so, they call upon law enforcement agencies to speedily arrest perpetrators and resolve this brutish crime.

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