Four men convicted for killing two police officers

MAFIKENG – The Mafikeng High Court has convicted four men for the brutal murder of two South African Police Service (SAPS) officers. The accused, Benjamin Kerneels Jacobs (45), Gaorekwe Jeremiah Mongale (28), Rapula George Keaikitse (27), and Mathews Modukanele (23), were found guilty on multiple charges, including theft of stock, robbery with aggravating circumstances, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of murder, defeating the ends of justice, malicious damage to property, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

The convictions stem from a tragic incident on 26 July 2021, when two SAPS officers from Mareetsane Police Station stopped a vehicle carrying 18 goats. The occupants failed to provide a valid permit for transporting the livestock and were instructed to follow the officers to the police station. On the way, the suspects’ vehicle experienced mechanical issues, prompting them to ask the officers for assistance. As one officer attempted to secure a tow rope, the suspects attacked both officers with hammers, restrained them with a rope, and loaded them into the back of the police van.

Later, authorities discovered a burnt police vehicle at Mosita Wildlife Farm near Vryburg, with two bodies inside, burnt beyond recognition. The vehicle was confirmed to be the SAPS bakkie used by the deceased officers. Following a swift investigation, police arrested three of the accused at a residence in Logageng, where they also recovered a Z88 pistol with nine live rounds hidden under a mattress. A fifth accused, who was 16 years old at the time, turned state witness and provided crucial testimony that assisted the prosecution. As a result, the charges against him were withdrawn. It was later revealed that accused number one was the father of the state witness.

All four accused pleaded not guilty but were convicted based on the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution. The case has been adjourned to 07 March 2025 for sentencing, and the accused remains in custody.