LENYENYE-Five suspects accused of assaulting a police officer at Maake Police Station in Lenyenye have been remanded in custody following their appearance at the Maake Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 11 November 2024.
The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, 9 November, when a group of suspects arrived at the police station with an injured friend and became aggressive with the officers on duty. They allegedly insisted on filing a case on behalf of their intoxicated friend. When officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, the suspects reportedly assaulted them, tearing an officer’s shirt and stealing his watch. Reinforcements arrived and apprehended the five suspects, aged between 23 and 37, on the spot.
The accused—Tshepo Modika (36), Pobetsi Modiba (28), Given Nkhwashu (23), Isaiah Mafeto (37), and Donny Letsoalo (23)—face charges including assault on police, malicious damage to property, and common robbery. Their case has been postponed to Friday, 15 November 2024, for a formal bail hearing.
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, expressed strong condemnation of the incident, which has circulated widely on social media. She stated that any attempt to undermine the authority of law enforcement will not be tolerated in the province.
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) in Limpopo also voiced its outrage, condemning the attack as a serious affront to law enforcement and public safety. POPCRU emphasized the essential role police officers play in maintaining order and security and urged the South African Police Service (SAPS) to conduct a full investigation. They called on the community to stand against violence towards officers and work in cooperation with law enforcement to ensure a safe society.
The suspects will remain in custody until their next court appearance.
