Murder suspect found with deceased’s bank cards

Mogwase – A man accused of allegedly strangling a teacher to death has been arrested after police found him in possession of the deceased’s bank cards.

Akanyang Rakodi was remanded in custody when he appeared before the Mogwase Magistrates’ Court on Monday 6 July. The 40-year old man, who stands accused of killing 25-year old Khumontle Mokgosi, will make his next court appearance on Tuesday 14 July.

Makgosi’s body was found at her home in Magong village by neighbours and members of the school governing body (SGB) who searched for her. This was after the teacher had failed to report for duty. Her hands and feet were tied up and initial investigations by the police suggested that the victim was strangled to death.

Police spokesperson brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The long arm of the law caught up with the suspect on Friday 3 July at Goo-Mokgatle Section in Dinokana village outside Zeerust. He was arrested during a crime intelligence-driven operation by a multidisciplinary team comprising Bojanala District and Zeerust Task Teams as well as provincial traffic. During the arrest, the suspect was found in possession of the deceased’s bank cards as well as recently bought goods such as clothes, a car battery and liquor. Preliminary investigations revealed that Mokgosi’s bank card was used to withdraw cash from ATMs in Northam and Zeerust.” Two cellphones belonging to the victim were recovered by the police from the suspect.

Provincial commissioner of North West lieutenant general Sello Kwena commended investigators and all those involved in the arrest for a job well done.