Media Statement from North West Media Centre

Corporate Communication

South African Police Service

25 January 2013

Zeerust: - On Monday, 28 January 2012, nine (9) suspects are expected to appear before the Lehurutshe Magistrates' Court on charges of murder, kidnapping, possession of firearm and ammunition and defeating the ends of Justice. This came as a result of an intensive investigation by the police following a spree of attacks and brutal murders of stranded individuals, a couple or one partner in the areas of Zeerust, Motswedi, Madikwe and Lehurutshe.

It is alleged that suspects attacked the victims while driving in their own vehicles or victims would be lured into suspects' vehicles, driven to the remote areas where they will be murdered and/or raped. Victims were found with bullet shot wounds to the head.

These incidents occurred during the months of July/August 2011 and October 2012.

During the arrests, goods stolen from the victims estimated to R82 300-00 including firearm that was used to assassinate the victims were recovered. All nine suspects appeared before Lehurutshe Magistrates' Court on 7 December 2012 and their case was remanded to Monday, 28 January 2013.

-End-

"SQUEEZING CRIME TO ZERO THROUGH HUMAN CAPITAL INVESTMENT"

Media Enquiries:

Warrant Officer Sam Tselanyane

CORPORATE COMMUNICATION

SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE

NORTH WEST PROVINCE

MEDIA CENTRE

TEL: 018 299 7269

FAX: 018 299 7248

TEL: 082 856 0932

nw.media.centre@saps.gov.za