The lawsuit against five individuals who were discovered with a rotting body on December 21 has been postponed until January 9.
Following their arrest in Doornlaagte, a community in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipality in North West, the accused appeared in court this week before the Koster magistrate’s court. They are charged with murder, obstruction of justice, and possession of guns without a license.
It is thought that the rotting body is that of Klaas Mosimanyana Jobontho, 32, who was reported missing between December 16 and December 21. Investigations led the police to a Doornlaagte property where several of the suspects denied them entry.
Henry Mamothame, a regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, stated that the police eventually gained access to the residence and spotted blood on the floor.
Blood traces led them to a storeroom where they discovered a decomposing body with its hands bound, Mamothame said, adding that first clues led police investigators to suspect the victim had been brutally abused.
“In addition, two rifles and ammo were discovered. “Police investigations are ongoing, and an autopsy is being performed to determine the cause of death,” stated Mamothame.
“All five suspects will remain in police custody until their next court date, at which time they are expected to file formal bail applications.”
»Men discovered in possession of a rotting body are detained«