Fed up farmers granted bail after killing livestock thief

Kanye Magistrate Court last week granted some 12 frustrated and desperate farmers from Gamoswaane settlement bail after they had been detained in police custody for a day, for a single count of murder.

Details of the tragic incident are that the angry farmers joined forces to deal with thieves who kept stealing their animals at night. Unfortunately, during the confrontation, they allegedly killed one thief with their bare hands and injured the other, who is said to be recovering from injuries.

In court, it was disclosed that among the 12 farmers in legal proceedings, seven additional farmers are yet to be apprehended, bringing the total to 19.

The farmers - Nkago Ntsimako (48), Kgosietsile Thakoyakgomo (48), Thapelo Sekanonyana (50), Ntamo Boroboko (54), Edwin Tlammane (43), Olerilwe Ntshekisang (48) from Lotlhakane East, Tere Arone (33), Ntesang

Tsiripane (32), Mofenyi Matebo (27), Odireleng Setlhatlhanyo (48) from Kanye, Phomolo Lesole (33) from Gamoswaane lands and Kabo Matolwane (40) from Mosetlhe cattle-post -came before court with their lawyers.

On the charge sheet it was stated that on the 5th and 6th, January 2024 the 12 farmers and the other seven not before court, jointly attacked and murdered Kabelo Nkaumyane from Kanye.

Over the last week, Bangwaketse paramount chief, Kgosi Malope II lamented the rampant livestock theft in his village, appealing to lawmakers to reconsider measures taken to curb the problem.