Teenager arrested for alleged murder at Ventersdorp

A teenage boy (17) is expected to appear before the Ventersdorp Children’s Court tomorrow (Monday, 8 March) after he was charged with the alleged murder of Mapula (Meiki) Khune (27) on Friday afternoon (5 March).  

According to Col Adéle Myburgh, media spokesperson of the police in the North West, it is alleged that on Thursday (4 March) at around 05:00, neighbours saw smoke coming from a house in Extension 2, Tshing, Ventersdorp.

Emergency Services were called who, after forcing entry into a back room, discovered the severely burnt body of Khune on top of her bed. Only the back room was damaged during the fire.  

Police initially investigated an inquest, but after obtaining more information, the inquest was changed to murder.  

Since Friday, additional cases of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) have been reported as community street patrollers and family members have been assaulting alleged perpetrators for the murder of Khune.  

Col Myburgh says the Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded police for their speedy response that ensured the apprehension of the alleged perpetrator within one day after the murder. He said the police will continue to work hard to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable and condemned the incidents of violence reported. He also cautioned members of the community to not take the law into their own hands, but to co-operate with the police in order to ensure that justice is served as prescribed by law.