Teen remanded for fatal stabbing at Polokwane Social Derby
A Seshego teen remains in custody for the murder of Lebogang Maruma, who was stabbed while working as a bouncer at the Polokwane Soccer Derby.
POLOKWANE – The Seshego Magistrate’s Court on Monday again remanded the 19-year-old George Machaba in custody for the murder of Lebogang Maruma (22), who was fatally stabbed during the Polokwane Social Derby celebration in the early hours of September 26.
Read more: Police nab teen after fatal stabbing at Seshego Social Derby
Machaba was denied bail last Tuesday following a brief profiling appearance.
He is accused of stabbing Maruma in the chest while the victim was on duty as a bouncer at the Polokwane Social Derby event near Seshego Stadium in Zone 1.
It is alleged that Machaba is part of a violent gang made up of local youths, some still in secondary school, who have recently adopted aggressive behaviour in the township.
Community advocate Oageng Makhura revealed that the group may have as many as 45 members.
Read more: Seshego murder sparks fears of gang violence resurgence among youth
He voiced concern during a community meeting held on Tuesday after the court proceedings, stressing the urgent need for strategies to dismantle such groups.
The meeting, held outside Seshego Stadium, concluded with an agreement to strengthen community policing forums in the area.
The strategy mirrors a previous successful effort that helped curb similar violence around 2017.
Under the new initiative, dedicated community members will be grouped by residential sections to patrol during the day and night to enhance safety and vigilance.
Ward 13 councillor Mokgalabe Ramaphoko, who led the meeting, encouraged residents to remain alert and to report any suspicious activity to the police or a trusted community leader.
Machaba remains in custody while investigations continue.
