News Desk Reporter
North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi has welcomed the arrest of two suspects linked to the murder of Mahikeng social activist Thato Molosankwe.
He described the arrests as a breakthrough. Mokgosi said they bring the province one step closer to justice.
The suspects, aged 28 and 38, were arrested by the South African Police Service’s Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit.
They are expected to appear in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.
Molosankwe was gunned down at his home in Lomanyaneng, Mahikeng, on 20 May. His murder shocked his family, residents and the country as a whole. He was well known for speaking out against crime and community issues.
Mokgosi praised police and other law enforcement agencies for their work on the case.
“The arrest of these suspects sends a strong message that criminal acts will not be tolerated,” he said.
“While we welcome this breakthrough, it is deeply concerning that one of the suspects is also linked to the murders of two business owners in Mahikeng,” he said.
“Both suspects are also allegedly connected to a broader criminal network operating in our province,” he added.
The Premier also commended detectives and crime intelligence teams.
“We wish to commend the detectives, crime intelligence teams and all members of the law enforcement agencies who worked tirelessly on this case and many others,” he said.
“Their dedication demonstrates government’s unwavering commitment to fighting crime and ensuring that justice prevails,” he said.
Acting North West Police Commissioner Major General Dr Ryno Naidoo said the first suspect was arrested on 23 May.
The man was taken into custody three days after Molosankwe’s murder. He was initially arrested in connection with the murders of Mahikeng business owners Sergio and Marlene Gomez.
Naidoo said the suspect has remained behind bars since then. Further investigation has now linked him to Molosankwe’s murder.
The second suspect was later arrested at an apartment in Mmabatho Extension 39.
Naidoo said detectives and crime intelligence officers tracked him down after following up on evidence gathered during the investigation.
Police believe the two suspects were part of the group that attacked Molosankwe.
Naidoo said the investigation is far from over. Police are searching for more suspects believed to have planned and carried out the murder.
He said investigators are confident more arrests could follow as the case progresses.
Mokgosi urged members of the public to continue assisting police with information that could help the investigation.
He said the provincial government would continue working with law enforcement agencies and communities to fight violent crime and improve safety across the North West.