Herder, 63, attacked and robbed of traditional beer

Pini Bothoko | Thursday January 30, 2025 09:24

The old man, who works as a herder at Mmalehutso cattle posts, had on the fateful afternoon left the area after receiving his salary to pay debts at Diphukujane cattle posts. Machaneng Police Station commander, Superintendent George Mabuta narrated to The Monitor that after arriving at Diphukujane cattle posts and paying his debts, the victim bought a two-litre bottle of traditional beer at a local shebeen and lounged there to enjoy his drink. 'He said whilst drinking, another man came, requested beer and he agreed. After finishing beer in the bottle the old man said his goodbyes and walked back to his base (Mmalehutso cattle posts),' he said.

'He said in his possession he had three two-litre bottles of traditional beer, tobacco, and a box of matches. Whilst walking back home the victim said he was shocked to see the man he was drinking with at the shebeen approaching him from his front.' Mabuta explained the victim told the police that when he was about to ask him where he was coming from the attacker hit him with something and he collapsed. After regaining consciousness, the victim said he saw the same man on top. It was at that juncture that the attacker started searching the old man’s pockets.

The victim then fought back, the police chief said. 'The duo fought until the suspect took out a sharp object, stabbed the old man in the leg, took all of the things he had bought at the shebeen and fled. The old man couldn't walk, he was found by a passerby later that evening at around 7pm still lying there. He was rushed to Shakwe clinic and the matter was reported to the police,' Mabuta added. The station head said the victim was later that night referred to Mahalapye District Hospital where he is currently hospitalised but in a stable condition. He further revealed they have launched a probe to locate and arrest the known suspect who is still at large.