POTCHEFSTROOM - Oduetse Rampo (38), Reuben Seleke (36) and Itumeleng Taje (38) were granted R1000-00 bail each upon second appearance before the Atamelang Magistrates’ Court yesterday. They are expected to appear for the third time at the same court on Wednesday, 05 October 2022.

The accused were apprehended in the early hours of Monday morning, 04 September 2022, and made an initial court appearance the same day on two counts of attempted murder and one of murder. The trio allegedly kidnapped three men at Gareleng Section, Madibogo village, south west of Mahikeng at about 11:00 on Tuesday, 16 August 2022. Reportedly, the victims were then loaded onto a white Toyota bakkie and taken to an unknown place where they were allegedly assaulted after being accused of burglary.

The accused allegedly dropped one of the kidnapped men; Thobegi Stephen Maine (28) not far from his parental place approximately five hours later. The severely beaten Maine was taken home by some villagers. Paramedics were consequently summoned, but they certified Maine dead. As a result, cases of attempted murder and murder were registered leading to apprehension of the accused.

Meanwhile, the fourth male suspect, aged 17, was released under the custody of his parents after appearing yesterday in court in connection with the same incident. He is expected to reappear before the court on Monday, 03 October 2022.

Once more, the North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, cautioned that taking the law into one’s hands is unlawful and cannot be tolerated. He indicated that those who continue to disrespect the rule of law by applying mob justice, will be dealt with accordingly.

Source: South African Police Service