Two more ‘Boko Haram’ members appear in court

Two more suspects, believed to be members of the so-called “Boko Haram” gang, appeared in the Pretoria magistrate’s court on Wednesday. They are facing charges of robbery, contravening the security act and racketeering. Police spokesperson Brigadier Mathapelo Peters said businesspeople in and around Mamelodi alleged that they were forced to pay money to the accused in exchange for “protection” for themselves and their businesses.

The two were arrested on 18 March as investigations into crimes committed by the notorious gang continue. “Through a prosecutorial-led investigation, we were able to build a solid preliminary case on which the pair made their first appearance in court on Wednesday.” Police previously assured complainants that for their cases to be effectively investigated and arrests made against the “Boko Haram” members, the complainants had to refrain from withdrawing cases.

They were encouraged to submit statements to the investigators and where necessary, participate in identification parades and other investigative processes. Acting Gauteng police commissioner Major-General Tommy Mthombeni asked the communities of Mamelodi and surroundings to continue to work closely with the police towards ending the gang’s “reign of terror”.

“While we are encouraged by the complainants’ responsiveness, which has led to the arrest of four suspects thus far, we hope that others who were too afraid to report will now come forward,” said Mthombeni. The case was postponed to 12 April for bail application, pending further investigation.

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