Tension and pandemonium surrounded the village of Matshepe since last week Saturday after residents learnt of the murder of their local tribal Chief. North West police reported that Chief Gopane Motuba (65) was allegedly robbed and killed by two unknown males who reportedly entered his house through an unlocked front door on Saturday. Police Spokesperson in the province, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, reported that after the incident, houses belonging to a male villager, whom they suspected to be responsible for the Chief's death, were set alight on Monday.
“The houses include those used for training and consultation by traditional healers (Sangoma). In addition, two vehicles were torched, while the third one was damaged. Furthermore, a local road between Mahikeng and Itsoseng was barricaded after Chief Motuba's death. Upon intervening, and as part of maintaining public order, Mahikeng Public Order Police (POP) arrested 39 individuals, 11 males and 28 females, for public violence,” said Mokgwabone.
The arrests forced the Matshepe community members to march to the Lomanyaneng Police Station, demanding the release of the suspects. Reliable sources known to Mo-Media from that village have denounced the actions of their fellow residents, as they alleged that the accusations against the traditional healer were unfounded. Sources have indicated that the healer, Thabo Mosupa, was not in the village during the alleged incident.
He was attending an event commemorating African Medicine Day that the Dingaka Association organised. Police have requested that anyone with information to assist in the investigations contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Warrant Officer Samuel Matiti on 082 374 0498 or call the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number: 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App. Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incidents, which he said are a clear sign of disrespect for the rule of law and cannot be tolerated.
He urged the community to work with the police to ensure justice takes its course rather than taking the law into their own hands, which is unlawful and unacceptable. Mokgwabone also added that the suspects, aged 22 and 55, are expected to appear before the Molopo Magistrates' Court soon.
