Four men accused of the rape and murder of an 82-year-old woman from Ramotse village will remain in custody after their first appearance in the Temba Magistrate’s Court was postponed to 23 June 2026.
The suspects, aged between 29 and 38, appeared in court on Thursday following their arrest by SAPS Temba detectives on 9 June. They face charges of murder, rape, house robbery and theft.
According to SAPS Temba spokesperson Sergeant Herman Moremi, the incident occurred on 2 June at approximately 18:00. “It is alleged that the suspects broke into the home of the elderly woman, who was living alone at the time. She was reportedly raped and murdered during the attack,” said Moremi.
Police launched a manhunt shortly after the crime was reported, leading to the arrest of the four suspects a week later.
During their first court appearance, the accused were informed of their rights to legal representation. One accused stated he would retain a private attorney, while the remaining three requested legal aid.
The court requested information regarding any previous convictions and outstanding warrants. It emerged that one of the accused has a prior conviction for which he served a three-month sentence, although that matter is reportedly still active.
All four accused indicated their intention to apply for bail. However, the magistrate ordered that they remain in custody pending the verification of their residential addresses. The investigating officer has been instructed to confirm the addresses before any bail application can be considered.
Accused number two faces two counts of rape, while the remaining three each face one count of rape. All four are additionally charged with murder and house robbery, and one accused also faces a charge of theft.
The matter was postponed to 23 June for the verification of the accused’s residential addresses and further proceedings.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with community members attending court proceedings in support of the victim’s family.
Ms Susan Moloi, a Hammanskraal resident, said the community remains deeply affected by the incident.
“We are heartbroken by what happened to koko. We hope the justice system follows the process properly and that the family gets the justice they deserve,” she said.
ActionSA Constituency Councillor for Region 2 (Hammanskraal), Mr Thabang Sebotsane, said community members would return to court when the matter resumes.
“We will return on 23 June to ensure that they do not receive bail. They have the right to apply, but we will continue to put pressure on the justice system to oppose bail,” he said.
