Spotlight on second teen gang of alleged killers

Amid considerable public outcry over the Thorisho Themane murder case yet another alleged gang of teens is in the spotlight after the reported killing of a 16-year-old boy at a tavern in Hwibi village, Ga-Matlala around midnight on Saturday.
It is alleged that Thato Matlala was stabbed in the neck with a sharp object during conflict between two groups of teenagers. It was further learnt that the incident had opened old wounds related to a similar occurrence experienced in the area about three years ago. While the grieving family and community expressed shock, they simultaneously pointed fingers at the local taverns for their alleged failure to adhere to the liquor act as they reckoned that this could have been avoided if the outlet owner made sure that under-age persons don’t access the premises.
They further informed Polokwane Observer that gangsterism was rife in the area, especially in schools and alleged that this was caused by liquor stores that operate until dawn. Community spokesperson Pitsi Chokoe claimed that the deceased did not consume alcoholic beverages but went to the nearest tavern to watch a televised soccer match. He further indicated that information at hand alleged that Thato was approached by a group of about 25 teenagers when he was walking home. He was hit on the neck with a panga, Chokoe alleged and shared that Thato had tried to run home but could not reach his destination as he was found dead in a pool of blood a few blocks from home.
Thato who was in Grade 12 at Ncheleleng High School was in the care of his grandfather, Johannes Matlala who expressed utter shock and described his late grandson as a respectful and disciplined person. He said the group of alleged attackers that robbed him of his wise grandson has been torturing the community for a while now and that it was time for the perpetrators of such a gruesome criminal act to be brought to book.
“My grandson was very good in technology and I was hoping that he would further his studies in a field relating to technology next year.
The incident has affected the whole community and some residents wanted to resort to mob justice. We want the law to take its cause and punish the culprits. The funeral is planned for Saturday and afterwards a community meeting has been arranged with the Police for an update on the case and try to come up with ways to deal with such crimes in the area,” Matlata explained.
He also blamed the incident on local taverns as he alleged that most of them don’t comply with the rules and regulations. Matlala stressed that his grandson was not old enough to be allowed in a tavern, adding that this should serve as a lesson to save young lives in the future. He pleaded with law enforcement agencies to closely monitor liquor stores and punish tavern owners who bend the law.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe informed that a 19-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the case appeared before Matlala Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on a charge of murder. He stated that Jones Raseala was denied bail and is remanded in custody for further Police investigations. Ngoepe added that the suspect’s next appearance date is set for Monday.
He also touched on the issue of taverns as he said the liquor act does not allow persons under the age of 18 in liquor outlets and concluded by saying the investigations might also guide the Police on action to be taken against the tavern owner.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za