A 23-year-old man has appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court in the North West province, facing serious charges for the murder of two tuck shop owners. Kagiso Stock Malematje, from Lethabile, stands accused of two counts of murder and one count of robbery with aggravating circumstances. The charges stem from a tragic incident in Maboloka village on the morning of Thursday, January 16.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Malematje, along with three accomplices, planned and executed a robbery at a local tuck shop. The group reportedly stole cash, cigarettes, airtime, and two mobile phones before fatally shooting the victims in front of their two young children. The shocking nature of the crime left the community in disbelief.
The crime was reported to the police the following day, on January 17, when a witness came forward with information. Malematje was identified and arrested that same day. Another suspect believed to have been involved in the attack was also detained, though he has not yet appeared in court. The case has been postponed until February 17 to allow for further investigation and the gathering of additional evidence.
This incident comes on the heels of another tragic event in the Northern Cape, where a tuck shop owner was brutally killed in October 2024. Mohammed Ferazi, a 31-year-old Bangladeshi national, was attacked inside his shop in Kathu, suffering severe head and back injuries that led to his death. The attack, captured by CCTV cameras, showed Ferazi being struck multiple times with a hammer by one of two male suspects. The harrowing footage showed Ferazi collapsing after the first blow, with the suspect continuing to attack him several more times.
In connection with Ferazi’s death, two suspects, Kgotso Gaobuse and Mosimanegape Bloem, were arrested and appeared in the Kathu Magistrate’s Court. They face charges of murder and robbery in relation to the attack on Ferazi and the theft from the tuck shop where he worked.
Both cases highlight the disturbing trend of violent robberies targeting small business owners, leaving communities shaken and raising concerns over safety in local neighborhoods. As investigations continue in both cases, authorities are urging the public to assist with any information that could aid in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.
