The body of an off-duty police officer, Const. Boikanyo Molale, was found at 05:30 on Saturday in the town, 70 km northwest of Vryburg. Two suspects, 22 and 27, were due to appear in court on Monday.

Seven months ago, Const. Eric Tekolo, 41, was also killed in Ganyesa. Three suspects, 19, 23, and 25, were arrested, and their court case is ongoing, said departmental spokesperson Oshebeng Koonyaditse.

Meanwhile, community safety and transport management MEC Wessels Morweng raised concerns about these apparently random killings. “It’s disturbing that the suspects in both murders are young people.

“That makes one wonder what could lead young people to commit such heinous crimes. What is wrong with our society to take the life of someone protecting society? We must send a message to stop police killings.”

About 300 community members picketed outside the local court.

Molale was murdered shortly after police had launched a coordinated festive season safety campaign. Law enforcement agencies would adopt a multi-pronged approach targeting road safety, border control, and general crime prevention, said acting provincial commissioner Maj. Gen. Patrick Asaneng.

Police would intensify roadblocks, stop-and-search operations, and targeted patrols in high-risk areas, he added, and highlighted the need for proactive and intelligence-driven policing this festive season.

The North West police’s main priorities for the festive season include:

• intensified roadblocks and highway patrols;
• border security and anti-smuggling operations;
• rail and public transport safety;
• the protection of tourist destinations;
• monitoring of school and university registration periods; and
• targeted operations against stock theft and organised syndicates.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs