Eleven arson suspects to reappear in court
MECKLENBURG - Eleven suspects arrested for torching houses in Ntsoaneng Village were released on bail last Wednesday. They pleaded guilty to charges of arson.
The accused, aged between 22 and 55 years, were granted R2 000 bail each. They were arrested on January 16 after they allegedly set alight four houses belonging to the Maepa, Mampuru and Mojele families.
“The destruction of the properties was sparked by the death of 18-year-old Lesedi Malatji, who died mysteriously in the village in December. Some members of the community suspected that the teenager was poisoned by the victims.
They accused the families of practising witchcraft,” Mecklenburg SAPS spokesman, Sgt Kgalake Mampuru said.
According to the police, the eight men and three women will reappear in the Mecklenburg Magistrate’s Court on March 12. Among the accused is Lesedi’s father, Petrus Malatji.
The others are Patrick Maepa, Kgaogelo Maepa, Ennica Malatji, Justice Thobejane, Michael Maepa, Manager Malatji, Abram Kopotsa, Ishmael Moropa, Chachacha Moropa and Doctor Malatji.
