Trial Set For High Court For Suspected Police Murderers
The Itsoseng Regional Court postponed the case against the four men accused of killing two police officers, in Mareetsane to 25 July 2022, for a high court appearance. Their defence team was provided with an indictment, detailing all charges against the accused. Investigations have been completed and a pre-trial date is expected to be set when the matter appears in court.
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.
The 16-year-old minor was granted bail of R1000 bail in October 2021 and was left under the care of a guardian. Meanwhile, the other four were denied bail and will remain in police custody until the matter is completed. 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 and 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.
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 with the murder of Constable Simon Ngakaemang Ntsekeletsa (50) and Sergeant Mojalefa Horatius Molete (42).
Enquiries:
Henry Mamothame
NPA Regional Spokesperson
NW Division
082 317 5731