A case involving a 'vigilante' police officer who allegedly mobilized a mob to assault a group of suspected thieves took a new twist this week when a 17-year-old boy was charged with murder.
The alleged murder incident took place in Ramotswa last week. It is alleged that after the female officer stationed at the Old Naledi Police's home was broken into, she mobilized a group of four men to go and search for the perpetrators.
Instead of reporting the incident, they allegedly hunted for her attackers, and when they finally located them, the four men captured the three men they believed to have stolen from the cop's home. It is alleged that the quartet tied up the trio and viciously attacked them with softball bats.
It is said that during the incident, the now murder accused teen then took out a knife and stabbed two of the four men, leaving one, Ofentse Ntswe, dead and another critical. Ntswe was an accused robber out on bail before his demise.
Appearing before the Extension II Magistrate Court today, the 17-year-old was finally arraigned because he was not charged in the last sitting. At his last court appearance, he was not legally represented, a social worker was not present, nor were his guardians present.
Following the arraignment, the State indicated that it was not opposing bail. “We are not opposing that the accused could be granted bail as he is a minor and provided that he will stay with his grandparents in Molepolole,” State prosecutor Simon Galebonwe said.
The accused, on the other hand, did not say anything as his plea was reserved. Chief Magistrate, Kamogelo Mmesi granted the accused bail because he appears before the court when required to do so.
He will appear before the court on April 1, 2026.
Meanwhile, the State has revealed that more will be charged in the matter, including the female officer who played a huge role in the brawl that led to the death of Ntswe.
