By Mashamba Media
news@alexreporter.co.za
On Monday 22nd January 2024, a 28-year-old male suspect linked to the brutal murders of a 56-year-old woman and her 31-year-old son from Ivypark in Polokwane, appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate court.
Kgahlisho Ratsoma’s case was adjourned to Tuesday 23rd January 2024 for further investigation, with the suspect being remanded in police custody.
Additionally, his accomplice, 29-year-old Katlego Ratsoma, will also be brought before court on the same date, facing charges of house robbery, kidnapping, and murder.
The victims, Magdeline Motlanthe and her son Nkgoropo Joseph Motlanthe, were discovered in separate locations along Roedtan-Zebediela road in Waterberg and Apel in Sekhukhune Districts on 3rd4th January 2024.
Their dismembered bodies were found buried in shallow graves.
“In response to these heinous crimes, a Task Team comprising of Murder and Robbery Unit, Westenburg, and Lebowakgomo Detectives has been established to ensure justice is served,” said Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.
Ledwaba said on Saturday, 20th January 2024, police received information that Kgahloso had turned himself in at Boksburg SAPS in Gauteng province, and a cellphone belonging to one of the victims was also recovered.
“Further investigations on Sunday, 21st January 2024 led police to Mohlaletsi village in the Apel area, where an unlicensed firearm believed to have been used in the commission of the crime was found. The firearm was discovered at a local Tuckshop owned by a foreign national.
“The suspect appeared before the Sekhukhune Magistrate court on Monday, 22nd January 2024, and his case was postponed to the following week, Tuesday 30th January 2024, for a bail application and further police investigations,” said Ledwaba.
He said the operation concluded in waterfalls, under the Mopani District, where the remaining body parts of the deceased were located inside a black bucket.
“With these recent arrests, the total number of suspects in custody now amounts to four. The other individuals were detained last week on 13th January 2024,” he said.
Major General Jan Scheepers, the Acting Provincial Commissioner, strongly condemned these atrocious acts.
“We vehemently denounce the violence committed against the most vulnerable members of our society. In our pursuit of justice, our dedicated teams will relentlessly continue their efforts to ensure safety and security for all.”
Police investigations continue.