BREAKING NEWS – Sixth learner arrested for death of Thorisho Themane

A sixth learner is expected to appear in Polokwane Magistrate’s Court with the five teenagers initially arrested on Tuesday following the death of Thorisho Themane in Polokwane on the weekend.
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Limpopo spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi the sixth suspect has been arrested this morning (Thursday). The six accused, Grade 9 and 10 learners aged 15 and 16 years respectively, are expected to appear in court shortly.
Meanwhile an emotional crowd is gathered outside the court building in the main street, of which a portion has been closed off as the Public Order Policing Unit (Pops) is monitoring the situation.
Yesterday afternoon the African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo issued a statement condemning the senseless killing and applauded the Police for the swift and speedy arrest of the suspects.
“The ANC is in particular concerned that, based on arrests effected by the Police, the suspects are children of school going age. Whilst respecting the work being done by law enforcement agencies and not willing to be speculative on the real cause triggering this crime, we find this indicative of shortfalls in societal systems of raising our children,” stated ANC Provincial Secretary Soviet Lekganyane in the media release.
“We call on government and the society generally to offer the necessary support (including counselling) to all parties affected by this tragedy. We trust that at the conclusion of this matter, we all would have drawn valuable lessons to make ours a better environment where everyone can live in peace without fear of violent attacks.
“We call on all our branches across the province to give effect to conference resolution to set up street committees and to work closely with all social partners, including and especially Community Policing Forums (CPFs).”

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YOLANDE NEL
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RC Myburgh
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