The accused are 40-year-old Ranaka Primary School teacher Thatayaone Motlhanka, 35-year-old Thebephatshwa Air Base soldier Kabelo Mokokota, 36-year-old Ngwaketse Land Board computer technician Bakang Ranthoakgale, and 40-year-old self-employed Aobakwe Mokokota. Appearing before the court this morning, the State informed the magistrate that investigations were still at an early stage and that statements from the accused persons and witnesses were yet to be finalised. The prosecution applied for the accused to be remanded in custody, an application which was granted.
The State further indicated that the incident arose after the accused allegedly tracked a stolen mobile phone to the bus rank, where they found it in Gurupira’s possession. The four are said to have assaulted the deceased after accusing him of stealing the phone. Gurupira later died in the hospital four days after the alleged assault.
The matter returns to court this Friday for a status update. The crimes detailed elsewhere in this edition from the loss of a former minister to the heartbreaking murder of a child, and public arson to relentless gender-based violence, paint a distressing picture of a society under strain.These are not isolated tragedies. They are a collective alarm bell, ringing out as we enter a period meant for peace and goodwill.The festive season, while a time of joy, can also amplify existing pressures.
