Four alleged cop killer including a teenager remain in police custody
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A case against five accused in Mareetsane in the North West has been postponed to July 2023 to afford defence attorneys time to consult with the suspects.
NPA Spokesperson Henry Mamothame said that the five accused Benjamin Jacobs, Jeremiah Mongale, Rapulana Keikantse, Matthews Modukane who are 42, 26, 25 and 20 respectively, including a 16-year-old boy were allegedly involved in the killing of two police officers in 2021 while they were investigating a stock theft matter.
It is said according to a police report, that the two deceased officers were attending a stock theft incident in Mareestane, they however, 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. 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.”
Mamothame added that subsequent to their arrest, the minor was granted bail of R1000 bail, in October 2021 and was left under the care of a guardian.
The defence attorneys submitted a guilty plea proposal to the state during their court appearance on 15 March 2023, which was ultimately rejected as it was deemed not to be interest of justice.
As a result a new date was agreed on by the court and all parties involved. The court sitting was declared a juvenile court, owing to the age of the 16-year-old who is standing trial in this matter.
The trial was set to start from 13 to 17 March 2023. It was now postponed to July 24th.
The other four suspects have been in police custody since their arrest.
