Mohale FM Three men have been remanded in custody following the fatal shooting of a 21-year-old man in Tebellong, Ha Mahabe, in the Qacha’s Nek district.
Senior Resident Magistrate Tšeliso Bale of the Qacha’s Nek Magistrate Court charged 32-year-old Ntsane Mahabe with murder, in contravention of the Penal Code Act of 2010. The court heard that Mahabe allegedly acted in common purpose with several others in the killing of Bohlokoa Mphephe on the 8th of January 2026.
Police allege that Mphephe sustained three gunshot wounds to the back of the head, left eye, and upper left arm, in what was described as an execution-style killing.
The court granted an application to join two co-accused to the murder case — 26-year-old Sekoala Mahlo of Ha Rapase, Ha Pheello, and 28-year-old Lehlohonolo Moeletsi of Lebakeng, Ha Letete. Mahlo also faces an additional charge of unlawful possession of a firearm after allegedly being found with a .38 Special revolver and ammunition without a valid firearm certificate.
All the accused were remanded in custody pending the arrest of other suspects and the completion of a postmortem examination. They are expected to return to court on the 29th of January 2026.
Investigations suggest the killing may be linked to disputes related to initiation schools. Police allege that the victim was ambushed while returning home from an initiation gathering, while a companion managed to escape unharmed.
Detective Inspector Thabo Setenane, head of the Criminal Investigation Division in Qacha’s Nek, has appealed to the public to surrender illegal firearms or provide information to police, warning that such weapons continue to fuel violent crime.
Traditional leader, Chief Maama Phatela of Ha Phatela, condemned the killing and called for increased security in Tebellong, including the establishment of a police or military post. Meanwhile, the victim’s family welcomed the arrests but appealed for assistance to ensure a dignified burial.
The case has sent shockwaves through the Tebellong community, renewing calls for stronger action against illegal firearms and violence involving young people.
