Fifth Suspect Arrested After Murder of North West Couple in Butchery

A fifth suspect has been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a business couple from Mahikeng, who were shot dead during a robbery at their butchery last week.

According to police, the 32-year-old suspect was arrested on Thursday (30 April) in Itsoseng. He is expected to appear in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 4 May, facing charges of murder, business robbery, and the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

The incident took place on Friday (24 April), when Sergio and Marlene Gomes were shot during a robbery at their butchery. Marlene died at the scene, while Sergio later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

Police spokesperson Colonel Adele Myburgh said the couple had reportedly rushed to the butchery after receiving information that their son was being robbed there. Upon arrival, they were allegedly forced inside the premises by armed suspects.

The suspects reportedly stole cellphones, cash, a laptop, and vehicle keys before fleeing the scene.

The couple’s stolen Ford Ranger was later found abandoned in Magogwe, while some of the stolen cellphones were recovered in a nearby field.

Four other suspects, aged between 21 and 37, were arrested earlier on Wednesday (29 April) during intelligence-driven operations in a settlement near Mmabatho.

Police recovered four firearms during the arrests, including a pistol linked to one of the victims.

The four accused appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on Thursday and remain in custody. They are expected to return to court on Wednesday, 6 May, for a formal bail application.

Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that further arrests cannot be ruled out.

This article was originally posted by EWN