WeeklySA_AdminDOSSIER:Additional charges include…..
By Boitumelo Tshehle
Five men arrested in connection with the killing of two cops in the North West appeared before the Itsoseng Magistrates court on Thursday.
Benjamin Jacobs, 42, Jeremiah Mongale,26, Rapulana Keikantse, 25, and Matthews Modukanele,20, allegedly killed 49-year-old Constable Ngakaemang Ntsekeletsa and 42-year-old Sergeant Mojalefa Horatius Molete, who were stationed at Mareetsane police station.
The fifth accused who is a juvenile appeared separately in the Child Justice court. The five accused are facing charges of murder, malicious damage to property and possession of a stolen firearm. They were arrested during the early hours of July 28 in Logageng village. It is alleged that on July 26 around 9pm, the two police officers were on patrol duties travelling in a state vehicle when they came across a vehicle loaded with suspected stolen goats.
The members reported the incident to the commander and mentioned that they would be bringing the suspects’ vehicle to the police station soon. About an hour later, the police reported that they were not far from the police station.
Hawks spokeswoman Tlangelani Rikhotso said, however, the police officers never arrived at the police station and they could not be reached on both their cell phones nor on other police radio. A manhunt for the police officers was immediately launched.
On July 27 2021, police were alerted by community members of blood stains on the road leading to the police station.
When the scene was visited, a knife and a police badge belonging to one of the deceased was found and a second badge was found near Mareetsane Road. Further investigations led the team to a burnt state vehicle, wherein the bodies of the deceased police officers were discovered.
Rikhotso said the police traced and arrested the five suspects who were allegedly found in possession of a 9mm pistol which was taken from the slain police officers.
“A hammer, clothing with suspected blood stains and a vehicle have been seized for further investigation,” she said.
All accused were remanded in custody and the matter postponed to August 12 for appointment of judicare attorney.
