By OBAKENG MAJE

A judgement on bail application of the local businessman and former owner of Meat Brothers Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape, is expected to resume at the Taung Magistrate’s Court today. Mangwegape, who is facing attempted murder and murder case is expected to be granted bail.

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 on 17 December 2023. 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 then 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, who was not available on 19 January 2023 due to other commitments in Bray Magistrate’s Court, is expected to presides over the matter. 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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