The killing of a Mahikeng couple, Sergio and Marlene Gomes, on Friday has left the community hurt and angered. 
 
Following the incident, the acting provincial commissioner of the North West SAPS, Major General Ryno Naidoo, assigned the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit to continue with investigations and track down those responsible. 

SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Kelebogile Morake says the couple rushed from their home to their business premises nearby after being alerted that their son was being robbed.  

“Upon entering the business premises, they encountered the suspects at the entrance,” Morake explains.  

Both were shot. When police arrived at the scene, they found bloodstains on the pavement and discovered Marlene’s body lying on the ground. 

Preliminary investigations revealed that Sergio had also been shot and was taken to hospital, where he later died. At the time of publishing, it was not clear who found him or transported him for treatment. 

Robbery 

According to one of the robbery victims, six unknown men wearing masks and armed with firearms entered the premises while the victims were in the lounge.  

“The suspects allegedly forced the victims to lie on the floor, threatened and assaulted them. They then proceeded to rob them of several cellphones, an undisclosed amount of cash, a laptop and the keys to a Ford Ranger, which was later used as a getaway vehicle,” Morake explains.  

On Saturday, police recovered the abandoned Ford Ranger and several discarded cellphones in Magogwe village.  

Outcry 

Crime activist Petrus Phakamile Sitho has called for justice.  

“Crime in South Africa is high. We are now 32 years into democracy; we need a stronger security system within the police to tackle these crimes and bring an end to these brutal killings,” he says.  

Sitho adds that the business’s employees need to be considered. 

“What happens to the workers and their families? This is an example of how crime has a ripple effect on families. We want justice for these killings,” he adds.  

An employee at a nearby business, who did not want to be named, described the news of the couple’s death as ‘painful’.  

“They were nice people, very friendly and kind. I feel angry because they did not deserve to be killed. I hope the police can find those responsible for this horrible attack.”

Assistance 

Morake says no arrests have been made.  

She urges anyone with information to contact Lieutenant Colonel Saul Kotu on 079 897 1801, their nearest police station, or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.  

Anonymous tip-offs can also be submitted via the MySAPS app.  

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