Two arrested after separate murders in Mmabatho

Police have arrested two suspects following separate murder incidents in Mmabatho, North West, in which two 37-year-old men were killed.

The incidents occurred at Seweding and Modimola villages in the early hours of Saturday, 17 October.

In the first incident, police responded to a complaint at about 00:45 in Seweding, where they found the body of a 37-year-old man. Emergency and Medical Rescue Services personnel declared him dead.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased allegedly jumped over a fence to enter a residential property and assaulted his girlfriend. Her 47-year-old brother allegedly intervened, resulting in a confrontation that led to the man's death.

In a separate incident at Modimola village, another 37-year-old man was allegedly stabbed at about 04:00.

Police were told that a 22-year-old family member had arrived home at about 03:00 and broken a window of the room where the complainant and the deceased were sleeping.

The deceased reportedly went outside to confront the suspect, leading to a physical altercation.

The complainant allegedly sought help from neighbours but, upon returning, found the man lying on the ground with stab wounds. Emergency personnel declared him dead.

A 22-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with the Modimola murder. The age of the suspect arrested in the Seweding case was not provided.

Both suspects are expected to appear in the Mmabatho Magistrates' Court soon on murder charges.

North West police commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams urged community members to remain calm and resolve disputes peacefully.