Pascalinah Kabi
POLICE have launched a manhunt for nine suspects wanted in connection with the 14 February 2016 shooting that claimed the lives of four people in Qeme.
Tšukulu Ramabusa, Tumello Kobile, Pali Kobile and Lebese Molemela were gunned down in a bar located at Ha Mantšebo bus-stop in Qeme. The gunmen stormed the bar and opened fire, killing two people on the spot and injuring eight others. Mr Molemela died on the way to the hospital, while Mr Ramabusa died a day later.
Police spokesperson, Superintendent Clifford Molefe, told the Sunday Express this past week a tenth suspect, 23-year-old Mojalefa ‘Lejoe’ Makae, was arrested on 21 July and briefly appeared in court last Monday facing charges of murder, attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
“On 14 February 2016, there were deadly shootings in Qeme which left four people dead and six others critically injured,” Superintendent Molefe said.
“Besides the Qeme incident, there were other fatal shootings in Ha Mantšebo, Ha Pshatella, Ha Peter and Masite. Following all these incidents, the police indicated they were investigating the cause of the killings.”
He said Mr Makae was remanded in custody and would appear in court again on 8 August.
“Besides Mojalefa Makae who has been remanded in custody, there are nine more suspects on the run. We are, therefore, appealing to the nation to help us arrest the suspects by giving us tip-offs on their whereabouts,” said Superintendent Molefe.
“Mohato David Mojela (32), Maama Alexandra Mojela (35), Toka Mojela (all from Sehlabeng-sa-Matsieng), Tieho “Forose” Kobile (30) from Masite, Khothatso “Liheshe” Phapho from Ha Molungoa, Lekhetho “Shorts” Makae from Ha Makae, Thibello “Jocker” Nthunya from Qeme Ha Motemekoane, Liteboho “Malingoana” Mosiea from Ha Mokauli and Pule Motseko (36) from Qeme Ha Pshatella are all wanted for questioning.”
He said police had already put up pictures of the nine suspects on border posts and police stations to ensure members of the public know what they looked like.
“The police are also calling on the suspects to hand themselves over to the police. They must stop running and report to the police so the issue at hand can be dealt with,” Superintendent Molefe said.
Meanwhile, two men suspected of stealing a police vehicle on 28 May in Ha Matala have been arrested.
According to Superintendent Molefe, the vehicle was stolen after two officers from the Lithoteng Police Station disembarked to attend to a crime scene at the Matala traffic circle.
He said the car was stolen along with a gun that had been left in the vehicle by the officers.
The vehicle was recovered on 29 May in Ha Mosalla in a state of disrepair.
Superintendent Molefe said the first suspect was apprehended last Monday while attempting to sell the gun.
“The 31-year-old man from Thoteng in Ha Leqele was arrested on 25 July. He was in possession of 20 bullets and a police LSR gun which was stolen along with the vehicle in Ha Matala. The suspect was caught trying to sell the gun to potential buyers,” he said.
“We arrested a 27-year old man from Ha Matala the following day. The two were expected to appear in court yesterday (Friday).”
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