A Welkom councillor, his wife and a third suspect have been arrested for kidnapping and attempted murder. A fourth suspect is still at large.
Rantsi Moopeloa (45), Maki Moopeloa (40) and Patrick Balakabuwa (42) have appeared in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court, and the case was postponed until 26 April for further investigation. They have been released on bail.
The incident around which the case is centred occurred on 14 February at about 20:30. The 28-year-old complainant, who lives in Thabong, Welkom, alleges that he was at his residence with some of his friends when his front door was forced open. Load shedding was taking place at the time.
“The suspects forced entry and started to accuse him of breaking into their house,” said Stephen Thakeng, Lejweleputswa police spokesperson.
“The complainant further alleges that he was forced inside a white Toyota Corolla, with the councillor’s wife driving. He says they drove to a shack house in the Gugulethu informal settlement in Thabong. He was assaulted with a thick steel tube, which they passed on to one another while assaulting him. They drove to the vicinity of the Masimong Mine, where he was assaulted again until he lost consciousness. They then drove to the Thabong Police Station,” Thakeng stated.
It was found that the complainant had sustained multiple injuries to his head, both shoulders, the back of his body, his right elbow, ribs, right hip, knees and ankles.
A case of kidnapping and attempted murder was registered for further investigation.
On 11 April members of Welkom Public Order Policing, led by WO Thabo Booy, followed up on information regarding this case. A house in Putswastene, Thabong, was visited, and the suspects were arrested at one of the taverns.
The case is being investigated by Det. WO Bertus Olivier of Thabong Serious and Violent Crimes, who can be contacted on 082-885-5271.
