Mayhem in Homelite as police probe gun threat, assault and murder

COMMUNITY members have accused a councillor of assaulting and threatening them with a firearm following an alleged theft incident in Homelite on October 12.

Residents stated that patrons at a sports bar in the area were accused of theft, whereupon they were assaulted, while another community member was allegedly threatened with a gun.

The councillor stated that he decided to search for the suspects after his car battery and two tyres were removed from his motor vehicle.

“Although an altercation did take place, I never threatened anybody. I do not own a gun. The individuals whom I questioned were rude, disrespectful and threatened to kill me,” he said.

He added that he found two suspects in possession of the stolen items, which he handed over to the police.

“One of the tyres was sold and I incurred losses worth thousands of rand,” he added.

A 20-year-old man died after he was stabbed in Salmon Street, Homelite, in an unrelated incident, also on October 12.

Residents claimed that the suspect who was arrested in connection with the murder had acted in self-defence after being attacked with knobkerries, sjamboks and a hammer before the stabbing occurred.

The Roodepan police confirmed that they are investigating a case involving the pointing of a firearm in Homelite.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said it was alleged that a complainant was involved in an argument with his girlfriend when a male suspect intervened and, in the process, pointed a firearm at the complainant and threatened him with violence.

“Investigations continue,” said Pilane.

He explained that during a related incident, the mother of the complainant was allegedly assaulted by the same suspect when she was summoned to his house in Homelite.

“The woman was questioned about the whereabouts of her son following a theft out of his motor vehicle. Upon enquiring as to what was happening, the suspect allegedly assaulted her,” he added.

Pilane said a case of assault that was opened at the Roodepan police station is currently under investigation.

He stated that, in a separate incident, the Roodepan police are investigating a murder case after a 20-year-old man was allegedly stabbed with a sharp object.

“On October 12, the police in Roodepan received a complaint from a community member about a stabbing incident that took place at the Homelite shanties. The deceased succumbed to his injuries after being transported to hospital,” Pilane said.

He indicated that a 33-year-old male suspect was arrested and charged with murder.

“He is expected to appear in court soon. Investigations continue,” he added.