The Mmabatho Police have arrested Themba Phakalane, who has allegedly assaulted and killed his 35-year-old girlfriend, in Montshioa, Mahikeng in March this year.
The incident for which the 44-year-old is arrested occurred in the early hours of Saturday, March 22nd 2025. Following the incident, and the arrest of a suspect, a group of angry community members had demanded that the suspect be handed over to them for mob justice.
Police spokesperson Mpho Manyoba explains, “According to information, police received a complaint at around 10h30 that the suspect’s house was on fire at Maiphetlho Street in Montshiwa. The scene was visited and a case of arson was registered for investigation. No one has been arrested and investigation into the matter continues. Major General Asaneng expressed his displeasure about the incident, which he said is intolerable and displays a total disregard for the rule of law. He urged members of the community to refrain from applying mob justice as that is unlawful.”
Last week, the Montshioa community protested and raised their dissatisfaction with the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Managemnt MEC Wessels Morweng about the recent release of a “dangerous criminal.”
In response to the incident, police said the suspect was arrested and allegedly released on technicalities. Morweng had to look at the police docket in question, and concluded that the suspect should be rearrested.
Morweng started by applauding the Mmabatho Police for the swift rearrest of a murder suspect, and he patiently explained processes and procedures.
“Sometimes it is just a matter of communicating with people for them to understand the processes from arresting a suspect until the trial begins. We have to continuously ensure that the people are being made aware that when someone whom they believe is guilty, there are processes and procedures to ensure there is a successful prosecution”, said Morweng.
Meanwhile, the province has a high rate of sexual violence compared to other South African provinces, with some recent crime statistics indicating a decrease in rape in the province, although this contrasts with a higher reporting rate in certain municipalities like Rustenburg. Furthermore, the province is experiencing a growing number of GBV incidents, particularly affecting women, girls, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Despite the overall decrease in reported rapes, some municipalities within the province, such as Rustenburg, have a high call rate for GBV, indicating significant activity.
