A 17-year-old was arrested for the murder of an elderly couple who were murdered days before being discovered inside their home in Sespond near Dertig, outside Makapanstad in the North West has been laid to rest as the community continues to reel from the tragedy. 

The victims, Moses Saike Rafedile (76) and his wife, Tsakane Sarah Rafedile (62), were found dead earlier this week after a concerned neighbour noticed unusual inactivity at their home and requested a welfare check. 

According to North West police spokesperson Anne Magakoe, a multidisciplinary team comprising members of the Brits Crime Intelligence Unit, Brits Trio Task Team, and Makapanstad detectives followed up on information that led them to a person of interest. 

During the investigation, officers recovered cash believed to have been stolen from the victims, as well as a knife handle allegedly linked to the crime scene.

 The teenagers appeared before the Tshwane North Magistrate’s court on Wednesday. The Police said the matter will proceed in accordance with the provisions of the Child Justice Act regarding government child offenders. 

Mayor of Moretele Local Municipality George Manyike, condemned the killings and said they are “heartbreaking and unacceptable. 

“The brutal killing of older members of our community is both heartbreaking and unacceptable. Our aged people deserve to live their lives in peace, dignity, and safety,” he said. 

Manyike extended his condolences to the Rafedile family and welcomed the arrest, expressing hope that justice would be served. The residents of Sespont are terrified and shaken by the murder as the elderly are held with high regard in the community. “This is such a sad story to hear of our elderly being killed so horribly in a community where the elderly are most respected. I am so sad for this generation,” said Shantal Pillay, one of the residents.