Qacha’s Nek, Jan. 15 — Three men are in police custody at Qacha’s Nek, facing imminent court appearances for the alleged murder of a 21 year-old man shot dead last Thursday night in Tebellong, Ha Phatela.
The deceased was returning home from an initiation gathering at Ha Mahabe when he was ambushed.
The suspects include a 26 year-old from Ha Rapase, Ha Pheello, a 28 year-old from Lebakeng, Ha Letete, and a 32 year-old from Tebellong, Ha Phatela.
The victim sustained three gunshot wounds: to the back of the head, the left eye, and the upper left arm, an attack police describe as execution-style.
The Agency’s investigations suggest the killing was connected to initiation school disputes. They reveal that the owner of the initiation school, who allegedly hired the hitmen, did so after the victim supposedly disrespected him over initiation-related issues, though further details remain unclear.
This individual, estimated to be in his late 30s, is from Tebellong, residing in Cape Town, and is described as well-off.
On the day of the murder, one suspect reportedly monitored the victim’s movements during the initiation gathering while the other two carried out the attack. The deceased was walking with a companion when two men approached from behind and shot him at close range. The companion escaped unharmed, while the suspects fled the scene.
Speaking to the Agency on Thursday, Detective Inspector Thabo Setenane, head of the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) at Qacha’s Nek Police Station, confirmed that three suspects had been apprehended but investigations are ongoing.
He urged the public to hand over illegal firearms or provide information about those in possession of them, stressing that such weapons in the wrong hands are “causing unnecessary loss of life.”
He also appealed to youth to avoid being lured into criminal lifestyles, warning that “life in crime is very short.”
Ha Phatela Chief, Maama Phatela, condemned the killing and expressed hope that justice would be served now that arrests had been made. “I wish the suspects could be presented publicly before going to jail, so the community can see them,” he said.
The Chief also called for the reinstatement of a police or military post in Tebellong. “There was a military post previously, but it was removed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such a post would help prevent tragedies like this,” he said.
The deceased’s aunt, Mrs. ’Makatleho Ramphalla, welcomed the arrests but highlighted the family’s struggles. “I hope justice is served for my nephew, whose life was cut short. We are struggling to bury him; we don’t even have a coffin. Please help us give him a dignified burial,” she appealed.
She dismissed claims that her nephew was involved in gangs, saying, “My nephew was innocent. Whoever is saying otherwise is simply holding a grudge against him.”
At the time of his death, the young man lived with his grandmother and the burial date is set for January 24, 2025.
This tragic murder has sent shockwaves through Tebellong, highlighting the dangers of unresolved disputes and the urgent need for community safety measures.
With three suspects in custody and the mastermind still at large, authorities face the pressing task of bringing justice for a young life cut short and restoring peace to the grieving community.
Ends/MM/tl
