By OBAKENG MAJE
A man (50) who is the alleged owner of the house, where kidnapped cousins, Zahraa Mohammed (17) and Bataviya Mohammed (19) were held at, has been arrested.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, the suspect was arrested by the multi-disciplinary team of Provincial Organised Crime, Head Office Crime Intelligence, Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 Task Team and Brits Crime Intelligence on Tuesday. Mokgwabone said the arrest of the suspect brings the number of the arrested suspects to eight.
“The suspect is expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court today. Other accused, Humphrey Martin (48), Nathaniel Mokwena (41), Sendry Phage (58), Virgilo Hlongwane (33), Nkanyiso Hadebe (25), Boitumelo Bogatsu (44), Thuloane Makume (47) briefly appeared in Brits Magistrate’s Court on 8 and 9 April 2024.
“They were all remanded in custody until 16 April 2024, for formal bail application. The Mohammed cousins were kidnapped in Brits on 6 March 2024 and rescued by a multidisciplinary team,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, the accused include a police Sergeant attached to Letlhabile Detectives. Mokgwabone said the police also confiscated a vehicle, which was allegedly used during the commission of the crime.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the latest developments, especially the arrest of a police officer, which he said will serve as an indication that no one is above the law. Kwena said no stone will be left unturned to ensure that alleged perpetrators are brought to book.
“Tarnishing of the South African Police Service (SAPS) image by unethical employees will not be tolerated,” he said.
TaungDailyNews 