GaMatlala teen denied bail for stabbing boy (16) to death
Thato Matlala was stabbed to death during an attack by members of an alleged gang
POLOKWANE – A 19-year-old suspect was denied bail by the Matlala Magistrates Court on a charge of murder following the death of 16-year-old Thato Matlala.
Read more: 13-year-old boy’s arrest brings Thoriso Themane’s murder suspect count to 10
The suspect’s appearance follows the death of Matlala in the early hours of Sunday morning, 10 March, during an unconfirmed gang related incident outside a local bar in the Hwibi Village in GaMatlala.
Police spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe says Matlala was stabbed in the neck and bled profusely before he died. “An ambulance was summoned but he was certified dead at the scene,” Ngoepe said.
He added that the fight was between two groups and that more arrests are expected.
“The motive behind this incident is not clear at this stage but the ongoing police investigations will tell,” Ngoepe concluded.
Matlala’s death comes less than a month after the murder of Thorisho Themane, who was killed by a group of learners in Flora Park. The incident placed a spotlight on gansterism among youth in Polokwane.
Read more: #ThorishoThemane – One adult suspect acquitted and two others granted bail
The 19-year-old suspect’s case was postponed to the 18 March 2019 for a formal bail application and further police investigations to take place.
