Five in court for the brutal murders of two North West police officers

The five suspects, including a juvenile, arrested for the murders of Constable Simon Ngakaemang Ntsekeletsa (50) and Sergeant Mojalefa Horatius Molete (42) appeared briefly in court on Friday.

THEY WILL BE BACK IN COURT IN AUGUST

Police spokesperson, Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso said Benjamin Jacobs (42), Jeremiah Mongale (26),Rapulana Keikantse (25) and Matthews Modukanele (20) made a brief appearance before the Itsoseng Magistrate’s court on Friday.

He added that the fifth accused, who is a juvenile appeared separately in the Child Justice court.

“The five were arrested during the early hours of Wednesday in Logageng village by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Detective service, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, and members of the Local Criminal Records.”

Rikhotso said it is alleged that on Wednesday, 26 July 2021 around 9 pm, the two police officers were on patrol duties with 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 suspect’s vehicle to the police station soon.

“About an hour later, the police reported that they were not far from the police station. However, the police officers never arrived at the police station, and they could not be reached on both their cell phones nor the police radio. A manhunt for the police officers was immediately launched.”

Rikhotso said the police were alerted by community members the next day of bloodstains 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.”

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He furthermore said the team followed all leads and worked tirelessly until they traced and arrested the five suspects.

“The suspects were allegedly found in possession of a 9mm pistol which was taken from the slain police officers. A hammer, clothing with suspected bloodstains, and a vehicle have been seized for further investigation.”

While condemning the acts of the perpetrators, the National Head of the Hawks Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, applauded the joint team for the swift arrest and recovery of the police firearm.

“We certainly hope that the families of our fallen police officers would find comfort in the arrest of suspects and look forward to successful prosecution on these criminal acts”

“An attack on the police is an attack on the state and this is why we will leave no stone unturned and will utilise all resources at our disposal to ensure those who commit such heinous acts against our officers in blue are found and face the full night of the law,” the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele reiterated.

All accused were remanded in custody. They will be back in court on 05 August 2021 for their formal bail application and preliminary inquiries, respectively.