The suspect, Bongani Shebi, has since appeared in the Schweizer-Reneke Magistrate’s Court and was remanded in custody until his next court date on Monday 24 October 2022. According to the police spokesperson, Sabata Mokgwabone, the motive for the killing of the 47-year-old woman is still unknown. 

ALSO READ: Nursing sister found murdered in North West

According to the deceased's employer, Health MEC Madoda Sambatha, the woman’s body was discovered on Sunday 16 October 2022 in Schweizer-Reneke outside Bloemhof. He says the woman was murdered two days after being promoted to facility manager at the local clinic in Ipelegeng. Sambatha has described the murder of Sister Iris Mohokare as devastating and called on communities to protect women.

“We condemn Sister Mohokare’s murder in the strongest terms and we want to appeal to anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the alleged killer to contact the police. It is an unfortunate and disturbing reality that women in this country are no longer safe. Our communities and homes have become a haven for criminals who prey on and murder women and young girls,“ he adds.

The MEC sent condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the deceased.

Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape, has weighed in on the murder of the nursing sister. Premier Maape condemned the murder.

“It is saddening and shocking to continue to learn of women brutally murdered despite the condemnation of these barbaric incidents. New cases of gender-based violence and femicide continue to be registered with the police. We cannot continue in this manner. We must create safer communities for women,” Maape adds.

OFM News