Police officer arrested for kidnapping and attempted murder

Warrant Officer Koketso Mareka, 40, appeared before the Zeerust Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 24 May 2024, facing charges of kidnapping, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), and attempted murder. She was granted bail of R2000.00, and her next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, 27 June 2024.

The charges against Mareka arise from an incident on the evening of Saturday, 28 April 2024, in Ikageleng Location, Zeerust, where a 24-year-old victim was allegedly assaulted by community members.

Public Order Police (POP) were called to rescue the victim, who was subsequently taken to a local hospital for medical treatment.

In a separate incident in the early hours of Sunday morning, 29 April 2024, a 25-year-old man from Ikageleng was attacked by an angry mob accusing him of raping elders.

He was assaulted, sprayed with pepper spray, stoned, and stabbed. He sustained serious injuries and was also taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Police investigations led to the arrest of Mareka after she was identified as one of the alleged perpetrators. Further arrests are expected.

Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Sello Kwena emphasized that taking the law into one’s hands is illegal and unacceptable, and such actions will not be tolerated.

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