Zeerust – Two men arrested in connection with murder related to initiation school in Zeerust in the North West province abandoned their bail application at the Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
“The duo were scheduled to apply for bail but opted to abandon it. They are facing five counts of murder, two of violation of courses and one of defeating the ends of justice,” National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson in North West division Henry Mamothame said.
The case against them was postponed to 31 January 2024 for investigation.
North West police said 19-year-old Obakeng Segwabe and 21-year-old Olebogeng Mafora were initially arrested for the alleged murder of two people after human bones were found in a plastic (bag) in the bushes near Mosweu village.
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“Subsequent to further investigation and linkages to three decomposed bodies that were discovered between December 2023 and January 2024, and that the deceased were part of the boys that were at the initiation school, three additional charges of murder were added,” North West police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said.
He said investigations, including the identification of the bodies through DNA, were underway.
The deceased’s names would only be confirmed after the identification process has been finalised.
He said another man, 19-year-old Koketso Mmutlane was arrested for defeating the ends of justice.
Mmutlane allegedly influenced Segwabe and Mafora to lie about the legality of the initiation school and its activities including the deaths.
Mmutlane was expected to appear in the Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court next month on 9 February 2024.
He is out on warning.
