Thorisho Kgomo murder believed to be gangster related
A 17-year old suspect has since been arrested and appeared in the Seshego Magistrate's Court. The police says his arrest must send a very clear message that the police will not tolerate these kinds of violent acts
POLOKWANE – Young people around Seshego and surrounding areas marched peacefully from Seshego Cycle Centre to the Seshego Police Station to hand over a memorandum to the station commander demanding protection, after the death of Thorisho Kgomo (19) from Luthuli Park who was stabbed to death on 1 January in Seshego zone 3.
The murder is believed to be gangster related. The march was organised by Seshego Youth Command (SYC).
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According to SYC Commander in Chief, Evans Mabato, they are tired of the killing of young people in their communities. “We are saying enough is enough, we want justice and protection from the SAPS and the Department of Justice. “We want the Police to patrol the areas every day so that we can feel free and potected,” said Mabato.
Community member, Mapule Thema said she attended the march to show her support. “As parents we are tired of all the killings, we don’t feel safe and our kids are not safe. I believe that we are parents to all the children in our community, we should stand up as parents in order to support the youth. Children are not free to go to school or visit friends, they are prisoners in their own homes. We are living in fear because of gangsters terrorising the community. I can safely say the killing of Thorisho was a gangster related killing. I think the justice system needs to change the law, if someone can commit a crime we shouldn’t say it’s a minor, the person should be taken to the court of law and the law must set an example,” Thema said.
SAPS Provincial Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said the police have managed to arrest the suspect (17). “Investigations are continuing, and this particular arrest must send a very clear message that the police will not tolerate these kinds of violent acts. We arrested the suspect after receiving a tip off from the community. If the police and the community can work hand in hand these heartless acts will be stopped. We currently do not have information regarding gangster related violence in the area.
He said the suspect appear in the Seshego Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and will remain in custody until his next court appearance on 30 January for a formal bail application. “The suspect was out on bail for rape and there is a robbery case against him being investigated by the Lebowakgomo police,” he said.
Kgomo family spokesperson, Ruby Kgomo said the family is saddened by the death of Thorisho. “We couldn’t believe if when we heard the news that Thoriso was stabbed. We went to the Seshego Hospital where the news was confirmed. Thorisho passed away on 5 January and he will be buried on 11 January at the Silicon Cemetery,” Kgomo said.
