KESTELL – Six suspects involved in an act of mob justice in Kestell, a town in the eastern Free State are remanded in custody after forensics confirmed murder of Tankiso James Maitse (31), one of three victims. The suspects include four South Africans residing in Kestell: Moses Moloi (47), Rabie Minnies (49), Tumelo Jacob Mphuthi (41), and Lehlohonolo Godfrey Tsosane (30), as well as two men from Lesotho: Mohlokoane Motsoari (29) and Tshepo Mofokeng (25).
Their joint bail application is set for 22 April in the Kestell Magistrate’s Court after appearing altogether on Friday, 13 March.
WO Mmako Mophiring, spokesperson for the Free State police, said an investigation linked the men to the brutal assault. He said their arrest followed tracing at different places by Kestell police investigators. He said the men allegedly assaulted Maitse and the two survivors, accusing them of committing break-ins in the area.
“Maitse’s body was discovered on 15 February. Postmortem results revealed he was murdered, leading to an inquest docket initially opened later changed to a murder case,” Mophiring explained. He said the two survivors were treated at a hospital for severe bruises sustained during the gang attack.
“One of the suspects allegedly called the victims into the shop. Upon entering, the men allegedly assaulted them, using wooden sticks, a hose pipe, and a tonfa. They were kicked repeatedly all over their bodies inside an old shop in town. Maitse was allegedly beaten to death,” said Mophiring. He said thereafter, the suspects reportedly transported his body in a wheelbarrow to dispose of it in an open field.
Following evidence police gathered, the suspects are charged with numerous counts: kidnapping, murder, attempted murder, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). The duo from Lesotho, Motsoari and Mofokeng, also face charges for contravention of SA’s Immigration Act. Police are continuing with an investigation in the case.
