POTCHEFSTROOM – Thato Morake (21) was remanded in custody when he appeared yesterday in the Molopo Magistrates’ Court in Mmabatho for the alleged rape and murder of a 17-year-old Amogelang Moadibo.

According to information received, police were called to a house in Lonely Park, near Mmalephoi, Mahikeng in the early hours of Sunday morning, 8 May 2022. Upon arrival at the house, the police found Moadibo’s half-naked body on the floor inside an RDP house. Initial investigations led to the arrest of the suspect, later the same day. Morake is expected to reappear in court on Tuesday, 17 May 2022. More arrests are imminent.

In another separate incident at about 07:00 the same day, police were called to a scene, also in Signal Hill Village, Mahikeng where a 34-year-old Vuyisile Nelson Maphanzi was allegedly stabbed with an unknown sharp instrument and already rushed to a local hospital, where he was declared dead. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Godfrey Tshipi (37), who also appeared in the Molopo Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 10 May 2022, on a charge of murder. He was remanded in custody until Tuesday, 17 May 2022.

Lastly in a mob justice incident reported on Monday afternoon, 9 May 2022 in Signal Hill, Mahikeng, community members allegedly grabbed a 26-year-old man, whom they accused of being responsible for the murder of Vuyisile Nelson Maphanzi. He was severely assaulted and ultimately set alight and declared dead on the scene by Emergency Medical and Rescue Services (EMRS). Police are investigating a case of murder and would like to once more urge the community not to take the law into their own hands, but collaborate with the police to ensure that justice is served. Anyone with information is requested to contact their nearest police station, or the Investigating Officer, Col Maria Mathikge on Cell: 060 ‪987 7601. Anonymous tip-offs can also be reported to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or by using the MySaps App on smart phones.

Source: South African Police Service