The deceased, who was also the accused and one of the first suspects to be nabbed by the police, passed away last Saturday and will be laid to rest today.

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The National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) spokesperson, Phaladi Shuping, confirms to OFM News that the suspect indeed passed on. It is yet to be revealed what the cause of death was. 

Phaladi says the case, which involved mayor Dimakatso Modise, a former councillor and speaker, amongst others, will continue unhindered.  

The group appeared in court this week and the case was postponed to 3 August 2022.

According to police, the suspects in the case, including the deceased,  were nabbed for incitement of violence that took place in Theunissen in 2021 when the community went on a rampage. 

OFM News had reported that the home of the parents of the then-mayor, Kunatu Stephen Koalane, was set alight amidst violent unrest.

During the unrest, at least nine protesting irate residents were arrested and later released on bail of R500 each. The protests erupted after the venue for the Freedom Day celebrations, where President Cyril Ramaphosa was expected to deliver a keynote address, was changed and relocated to Botshabelo outside Bloemfontein.

According to police spokesperson, Stephen Thakeng, "from the 14th of April until 30 June 2021, public violence was reported and the ZR Makhabane Road was closed with stones, rubbish, [the] office of the municipality was burnt, the house of the Mayor was also burnt, and vehicle thrown with stones." 

The suspects include Modise,  Diphapang Maselo the former Speaker, Hongizwa Naki, Tshepo Stephen Maredi and Masetjhaba Tsoaela.

They were granted bail ranging from R2 000 to R2 500.

OFM News