Mareetsane Murder Suspects Denied Bail
The Itsoseng Regional Court denied bail to four men accused of killing two police officers in Mareetsane. Their matter was adjourned to 01 April 2022, for further investigations. The state will be applying for the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, for the case to be transferred to the high court, owing to its serious nature. A 16-year-old minor who is also a suspect, was granted bail of R1000 bail in October 2021 and the state did not oppose it, and he was left under the care of a guardian.
According to a police report, the two deceased officers attended a stock theft incident in Mareestane, however, the pair failed to return to the station and were declared missing. A search operation was subsequently conducted. Their remains were later discovered at the back of their burnt state vehicle on 27 July 2021, in Ganyesa. Police investigations are nearing completion as the state is only awaiting DNA test results.
Benjamin Jacobs (42), Jeremiah Mongale (26), Rapulana Keikantse (25), Matthews Modukane (20) and a 16-year-old boy are facing charges of murder, malicious damage to property, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of ammunition, possession of a semi-automatic firearm, kidnapping, possession of ammunition with intent to commit an offence and defeating the ends of justice.
Upon arrest, police discovered the deceased firearm, two cellphones as well as SIM cards that were destroyed and thrown in a pit toilet at the home of one of the accused. They are charged for the murder of Constable Simon Ngakaemang Ntsekeletsa (50) and Sergeant Mojalefa Horatius Molete (42).
The four accused will remain in police custody until the matter is concluded.
Enquiries:
Henry Mamothame
NPA Spokesperson
NW Division
082 317 5731