Samuel Modise Pholo (41) and Thabo Petrus Lehihi (46) appeared before the Vryburg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 28 February 2024, on charges of kidnapping and robbery after their attorney handed them over to the police. They were both granted R1000.00 bail and the case was postponed to Friday, 22 March 2024 to determine a Regional Court date.
The duo’s court appearance emanated from an incident reported on Thursday, 19 May 2022, after a 55-year-old victim was allegedly called by one of the suspects, pretending to buy cattle from him. On their way to the farm on the N14 road between Vryburg and Delareyville, the vehicle was stopped and three suspects, pretending to be police officers ordered him to climb into another vehicle and he was kidnapped to Randfontein. Furthermore, he was threatened with a firearm, money was withdrawn from his account and he was ultimately left stranded in Klerksdorp.
Police investigations conducted lead to the arrest of all four suspects on Wednesday, 25 May 2022 and they were all granted bail. After numerous court appearances, the case was provisionally withdrawn. Warrant of Arrests were then authorized, which led to the re-arrest of the first two suspects, Maloisane Maritius Khaue (50) and Lebameng Anderson Lepholletsa (44), at their homes in Wolmaransstad on Tuesday, 20 February 2024. They both appeared in court on 21 February 2024 and were granted R1000.00 bail. The case was postponed to 08 February 2024 and their attorney was ordered by court to hand in the outstanding accused.
The possibility of linking the accused to other cases is under investigation.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated members of the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit for their efforts and dedication, which resulted in the apprehension of the accused. He also thanked the attorney for handing over his clients as ordered by court.
