Themane murder accused back in court in August

The murder case against 11 suspects – two adults and nine minors who stand accused of allegedly killing Thorisho Themane (28) in February – was on Friday postponed to August.
Provincial Police Communications Head, Motlafela Mojapelo indicated that the number of minor suspects, all between 13 and 17 years of age, now stands at nine following the arrest of two more persons on 13 May. He indicated that he could not get hold of the investigating officer and could therefore not provide details on their arrest. He said the minors appeared before the Polokwane Children’s Court on Friday while the two adult suspects, Chuene Maleka and Alfred Mothapo appeared in the local magistrate’s court the same day.
The minors will appear in court again on 14 August pending the psychologist’s report on two of the suspects while the adults will appear again on 6 August, according to Mojapelo.
Bail conditions for all suspects were extended. Themane died in hospital on 23 February after he was allegedly attacked by a group of youngsters in Flora Park. The incident was filmed and trending on social media within hours.
Police took five of the teenage suspects into custody two days later. This was followed by the arrest of a sixth minor suspect, a girl, who was released soon afterwards as she could not be linked to the incident. Three adults were apprehended three days after the killing followed by the arrest of another two teens. One adult was also released after he could not be linked to the case.

Story: RC Myburgh
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