The 30-year-old Sabata Mpatsi, 33-year-old Tshokolo Malebo and 26-year-old Thabo Masithela appeared before the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court today for the alleged murder of Thebe ‘Gold’ Mothibi and the attempted murder of another person. Mothibi was shot in the early hours of Sunday morning while closing his liquor outlet.

Residents rioted after three suspects were apprehended on Sunday afternoon. They allegedly destroyed food stalls of foreign nationals in the streets of Phahameng and Rocklands and forced public transport driven by foreigners off the road. 

The leader of the Mangaung Concerned Community (MCC), Themba Zweni, said the MCC distances itself from the violent acts that took place on Sunday following the death of Mothibi, who was the MCC's treasurer.

He, however, stated that they met with the local taxi association and agreed that the issue of illegal foreigners needs to be addressed in a joint operation, involving the Department of Home Affairs, the SA Police Service, taxi associations, and the community of Mangaung.

Free State police spokesperson Thabo Covane said the case against the three suspects has been postponed to Monday, 13 February 2023 for their formal bail application and further investigations.  

The three remain in police custody.

OFM News