Four Accused Charged with Murder, Attempted Murder, and Kidnapping Remanded in Police Custody*
Polokwane: On Wednesday, 05 June 2024, four accused, namely Idah Mokgadi Ramotshela (37), Ernest Seletisa (47), Elliot Mabulane (48), and Thomas Chauke (50), appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate Court on charges of murder, attempted murder, and kidnapping.
Following their arrest on Monday, 03 June 2024, by the Provincial Taxi Violence Investigation Unit in connection with incidents dating back to 24 October 2021 between Ga-Chuene and Polokwane, the accused were remanded in police custody. The case has been adjourned until 19 June 2024 for a bail hearing and further Police investigation.
Reportedly, the tragic events unfolded when a 47-year-old suspect accused a 28-year-old deceased individual and his 26-year-old brother of theft. Seeking community assistance, the suspect led a search at the deceased’s residence in Ga-Chuene, which proved fruitless, leading to a peaceful dispersal of community members.
Unsatisfied with the outcome, the suspect sought help from members of the Seshego and Polokwane Taxi Association, comprising taxi drivers and queue marshals. Together, they journeyed to Ga-Chuene, where the suspect identified the residence of the deceased and his brother. Despite an extensive search yielding no results, the suspects decided to transport the victims to Polokwane.
Upon reaching Polokwane, the victims were taken to the holding area of the Seshego, Polokwane Taxi Association (Leshakeng), where they were subjected to brutal assaults with a pick handle and shamboks until the 28-year-old victim tragically succumbed to his injuries.
The next day, on 25 November 2021, the deceased was discovered at the holding area, while his brother, who survived the harrowing ordeal, was rushed to Polokwane Hospital for extensive medical care, where he remained hospitalized for several days.
Following extensive police investigations, eight suspects were apprehended on Monday, 03 June 2024, in Polokwane. After an identification parade on Tuesday, 04 June 2024, four suspects were positively linked to the incident, while the remaining four individuals were subsequently released.
Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.
