MOPANI – The police in Mopani are investigating a case of murder following the death of a 32-year-old man. The incident took place at the Ornock A settlement on Sunday evening at about 19:40.

According to the police spokesperson in the area, Const Sylvia Hlungwane, it is alleged that the deceased, Johan Makamu (32) was stealing corrugated iron sheets from a local tuckshop when the incident occurred. The statement indicates that, while he was busy, three men, Thomas Mathebula (22), Vely Mlambo (34) and Eddy Mathebula (28), arrived on the scene.

The three men questioned the deceased why he was collecting the goods at that time and where he was taking them.

Instead of responding to the questions, the deceased allegedly told the three men that it was none of their business. What followed next was a war of words between the three men versus the deceased. The situation took an ugly turn when the deceased allegedly produced a panga and stabbed and injured the three men.

According to the police statement, the men retaliated by stoning the deceased to death. The suspects were later taken to the Mapulaneng Hospital for treatment under police guard. They were all treated and discharged the following morning.

They were then taken to the Bushbuckridge police station where they were each charged with murder. They appeared in the Napuno magistrate court on Tuesday. They were not asked to plead and the case was postponed to a later date while the suspects are in custody.