The EFF in the Free State shed light on how an alleged wife-killer was not arrested, despite reports of arrests by police.

Provincial Treasurer Seipati Nanyane, MPL, raised serious concerns about the handling of a case involving Sello Putswenyane, who allegedly stabbed his wife, Mametsi Mmatli, to death in Bothaville on Wednesday (3/7). Nanyane said, despite reports of a police arrest, Putswenyane was not apprehended.

Nanyane revealed during a recent legislature sitting, that during a visit to Mmatli’s family to convey their condolences, relatives informed them that the alleged perpetrator was not arrested. She stated that they sought clarification from the station commander about the alleged lack of action.

“Speaker, it is very sad because the station commander knows the killer is being arrested,” said Nanyane. “According to the investigator of the case, the station commander knows the perpetrator is being arrested.

“Now I’m appealing, Speaker, that the police that are doing these things must be locked up because they are the ones who promote gender-based violence.”

She emphasised that police officers involved in corrupt activities were obstructing justice and called for their arrest. Nanyang told OFM News that the investigating officer in charge of the case provided false information to the station commander.

‘A decision will likely be taken on Wednesday’

Upon discovering this, the station commander immediately issued a warrant of arrest for the suspect and allegedly opened a case against the investigating officer.

OFM News reached out to the Free State and Northern Cape NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Sonokoatsane to clarify the suspect’s court appearance. Sonokoatsane confirmed the matter has not yet been enrolled. A decision will likely be taken on Wednesday (17/7).

Police confirmed that internal investigations were initiated by the station commander. Free State spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli said they cannot disclose further details yet. Criminal charges will be laid if the alleged perpetrator is found to be on the wrong side of the law.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi