Assault, Murder Spoil Independence Holidays

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday October 5, 2015 11:45

The victim and the accused, 49, were enjoying traditional beer (khadi) when a quarrel allegedly started between the two of them.

Letlhakane police superintendent Michael Maphephu confirmed that they are investigating an incident in which a 39-year-old man lost a piece of his right ear after another tore it off with his teeth.

“The two are alleged to have been drinking khadi together. It is not yet clear what  really transpired, but some people had heard them disagreeing before the fight.

The accused is alleged to have torn off part of the victim’s ear with his teeth. The accused is still in a police cell and investigations are still ongoing,” Maphephu said.

He said the victim was treated and discharged the same day.

Maphephu said the accused is facing a single count of grievous harm.

Still in Letlhakane, a 26-year-old man is facing a charge of unlawful wounding after hitting a 23-year-old man with a pestle on the back of his head.  The two, according to the police, fought during Independence Day.

“The accused and the victim are neighbours. It is alleged that the accused hit the victim as their parents were quarrelling.

The victim is still in hospital while the accused is in a police holding cell,” Maphephu said.

He said it is not yet clear what could have lead the two to fight.

Maphephu said he is worried about the brewing of khadi in the village since some people commit various offences after drinking it.  He said they are also investigating a murder case in which a 49-year-old man assaulted his 51-year-old lover by kicking her at a drinking spot.

“The victim was confirmed dead at the nearest clinic. The incident happened at Mokobilo and it is suspected that she had internal bleeding.

This is the eighth incident of murder since the beginning of the year. The accused appeared in court last Friday. The incident happened on September 27 and the accused is facing a single count of murder,” he said.