According to police information, the suspect’s arrest followed the discovery of Mbatha’s body, which was found inside a burnt Hyundai i20 at a soccer field in Ikageng.

North West police spokesperson, Adelé Myburgh, says the 24-year-old’s identity was confirmed on Monday 10 January - nearly 7 months after he was killed.

NPA spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, says the state will await the DPP’s authorisation to transfer the case to the North West High Court, owing to the serious nature of the offense committed.

The four accused persons, Arthur Khoza (19), Thato Masetla (22), Junior Modise (21), and Mahlatsi Nkuna (21), were all arrested following an intensive investigation by the police.

Investigations led the police to a house in the Phutha section, in Klipgat, on Monday 21 June 2021 and the house was searched.

They found bloodstains on the floor, under and on top of a bed as well as on the carpet. Furthermore, an axe suspected to have been used during the commission of this crime was found on top of the roof of the house.

DNA samples positively identified Sam Mbatha, as the deceased person.

Masetlha abandoned his bail application while the other three were granted R500 bail each.

Their bail conditions include that they must report to the Klipgat Police Station every Wednesday and Sunday between 17h00 and 18h00, and they are also barred from interfering with the state’s witnesses.

OFM News