Fully packed court room where the murder and robbery suspect appeared
Residents of Ward 2 under the Mamusa Local Municipality have taken a firm stand against rising crime, culminating in the arrest of a suspect accused of robbery and assault.
Baagisani Ba Number 2, a community safety and anti-crime forum, said it was formed in response to a surge in violent crimes including robberies, house break-ins and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). According to the forum, many of the alleged perpetrators are known within the community.
The latest incident occurred on Saturday, 14 February 2026, when a community member was allegedly stabbed and robbed by a group of young men. The victim was hospitalised following the attack.
On Sunday, members of Baagisani Ba Number 2 joined forces with the Makhala Anti-Crime Group, Ext. 14 Patrollers and D600 Community Against Crime to search for the suspects. The group apprehended Motseokae Salomane and handed him over to South African Police Service (SAPS) in Ipelegeng for further processing.
Police confirmed that the suspect was detained and appeared before the Schweizer-Reneke Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 17 February 2026, facing charges of robbery and assault GBH.
Community members marched to the court on Tuesday morning, where they handed over a petition to the magistrate and prosecutor opposing bail. The court postponed the matter to 23 February 2026 for a formal bail application. Bail was not granted at the initial appearance.
In a media statement issued by Chairperson Thabo Sehloho, the forum described the recent crimes as brutal and traumatic for victims and their families. The group called on law enforcement agencies to act decisively against ongoing criminality in the area.
“We demand justice and safety. We will not be silenced, intimidated or victimised,” the statement read.
Baagisani Ba Number 2 further pledged to continue working with SAPS to combat crime in the neighbourhood and urged police to arrest other alleged accomplices linked to the incident.
The community is expected to return to court on 23 February 2026 for the bail hearing.
