Police in Botlokwa, Capricorn District, have arrested a man in connection with the murder of a 42-year-old at Ga-Sikhwama hamlet on Saturday, October 18.
The arrest came amid an ongoing investigation into child rape allegations involving the suspect’s nephew and an accomplice.
The case dates back to October 8, when two 10-year-old girls were reportedly lured to the home of a 28-year-old man under the pretence of receiving money to buy sweets. A few days later, one girl’s mother noticed her daughter struggling to walk and took her to hospital. Medical examinations confirmed the child had been raped, prompting police to open a case and arrest the 28-year-old suspect.
During the investigation, the 30-year-old nephew of the murder suspect was also implicated. Community members, angered by the allegations, confronted the nephew before police could intervene. The situation escalated when the 48-year-old uncle allegedly brandished a licensed firearm and fired into the crowd, causing panic. A bystander was hit in the left thigh.
Authorities later found the 30-year-old rape suspect and his uncle at the scene. A few metres away, they discovered the 42-year-old victim, who had succumbed to a gunshot wound. Both men were arrested and the firearm was confiscated.
The three suspects, including the uncle of the alleged rapist, now face charges of murder and rape and are expected to appear in the Morebeng Magistrate Court.
Saturday Star