Six suspects in Annesley murder cases granted bail
All the suspects were granted R1 000 bail each and their cases were postponed to May 19 for further police investigations.
BURGERSFORT – The six suspects allegedly involved in the violent protest at Annesley Andalusite Mine in Penge were granted bail.
Service Moropane (31), Tos Mokoena (36), David Ramaila (38), Khomotso Mabefho (42), Surprise Mnisi (36) and Oupa Nkambule (36) appeared before the Praktiseer Magistrate’s court on March 23 facing charges of three counts of murder, robbery and malicious damage to property.
All the suspects were granted R1 000 bail each and their cases were postponed to May 19 for further police investigations.
Their arrest follows the violent protests that took place at Annesley Mine on March 15. The violence led to the deaths of three people, including two Annesley security guards and a protester.
“A group of protesters from Segorong Village allegedly went to the mine at about 10:15 and on arrival demanded to see the management. They allegedly overwhelmed the security officers on duty and disarmed them, and during the confrontation some shots were fired. The windows of the guardroom were also smashed.
“Two security guards were shot in the process. One died on the spot and the other one at the Dilokong Hospital on March 16. One of the protesters was also shot and taken to the local clinic where he later succumbed to his injuries,” revealed Limpopo SAPS spokesperson Brig Motlafelo Mojapelo.
He said the police were called and on arrival the mob started running in all directions.
“The two security officers were still in the vicinity, lying on the ground. One was certified dead by paramedics and the other was taken to the hospital for medical treatments where he later passed away.”
Mojapelo said the police managed to recover a rifle that was found abandoned in the area, but a pistol is still missing.
“The rifle was allegedly robbed off one of the security guards. The motive for this violent protest will be determined by unfolding police investigations. More arrests are expected.”
Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects, may contact Det Sgt Patrick Rampepe on
065-835-0980 or the crime stop number 08600-10111, visit the nearest police station or use the My SAPS app.
