Wolmaransstad - A sentenced gang member by the Wolmaransstad Magistrates Court may be linked to the extortion case against a councillor in Tswelelang
The Wolmaransstad Magistrates' Court sentenced Kgotso Emmanuel Thabe
aged 20 to 12 years imprisonment for three counts of robbery
Thabe was a known member of a gang known as 'Manthintha' when arrested in October last year after he robbed construction workers of their cash amounting to R950.00 in Tswelelang Ext 10 at the Supermarket construction site
It was alleged that the suspect and two other males, armed with pangas, went to a supermarket construction site on the 06th October 2024, in Tswelelang, Ext 10. The trio allegedly intimidated and demanded money from the employees. The suspects then searched and robbed two employees of their R800 and R150 respectively, and left the place
The matter was reported to the police and upon receiving the case on the 26th October 2024, members of Anti-Gang Unit expedited investigation, which resulted in the arrest
The gang members allegedly target contractors, employees at construction sites, tuck shops as well as members of the community, among others by demanding protection fees and committing robberies. Investigation into the matter including the tracing of the remaining suspects, continues
Thabe was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment of which six months is suspended for a period of 5 years on condition that he is not convicted on a charge of robbery during the period of suspension
On the other hand, Councillor, Mpho Andrew Hlongwane & two other accused were involved in an extortion case registered against them. The two suspects including the councillor, were also arrested on the 16th October 2024
Their arrests followed extensive investigations that indicated that a contractor, who was awarded a contract to build a Supermarket in Extension 10, was allegedly blackmailed since June 2024. The Anti-Gang Unit arrested three suspects in Wolmaransstad for extortion. The contractor reported the matter to the police in early September 2024, who after thorough investigations, arrested the trio
The contractor contacted the local councillor and asked for assistance to employ locals, thereafter he was allegedly threatened numerous times and payments were demanded for his safety and smooth running of the building project
Oratile Mafulako aged 19, Ward Councillor Mpho Andrew Hlongwane aged 46 and Mosimanegape Donald Sejeso aged 25 appeared before the Wolmaransstad Magistrates’ Court for the first time on the 16th October 2024 & they re-appeared before the same court on the 18th October 2024 and were granted R1 000 bail each
Investigations into the matter is still ongoing. It's not yet clear if the councillor will be clear of the charges, whether he & his co-accused will continue to face court to respond to their crimes or he will face jail time
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Updated: 26 February 2025 Wednesday
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