He was reacting to the arrests of four Lesotho nationals who are in custody for shooting and killing Galeshewe Llyod Poonyane (41) in Orkney in the North West last week. He says they will have to find a way for the justice system to not be kind to criminals. He adds that criminals would be arrested and later return to the society bearing academic accolades such as Masters Degrees and PhDs while the lives of the victims’ spouses are completely disrupted. Cele slammed the killing of Poonyane and the wounding of Lydia Tladi (45) and said the attack was an act of treason against the country.

Cele said although he was pleased with the swift arrests of the suspects, advised the South African Police Services (SAPS) members to be more technically alert to protect their lives against criminals. He also demanded to be furnished with a full report on the attack of Poonyane and Tladi. "If I look back, this has been a bad January, actually since the year started (because) several members of the SAPS have been killed. I’m sure you have heard of the member of the special task force who was killed in Cape Town two, three days ago,” he said.

Poonyane and Tladi came under attack somewhere at a roadhouse in Orkney, a few kilometres outside Viljoenskroon, where he was killed and Tladi injured when at least five suspects fired shots at them after an argument. The four suspects on Wednesday appeared in the Orkney Magistrate’s Court and they were all remanded in custody. The case was postponed to 21 February 2020. Poonyane is leaving behind his wife, two children and his brother. The deceased was described as humble, loving and had always preached peace.

OFM News/Olebogeng Motse and Lucky Nkuyane