A murder accused who was found guilty skipped his court appearance to be sentenced and is on the run.
On 22 November 2022, Qenehelo Rantao (33) known as “Mangwele”, was found guilty of murder by the Bloemfontein Regional Court. He was out on bail. When he had to return to be sentenced, he did not arrive at court. The investigating officer has tried all means to find him without success. As such, the police are now appealing to the public to help find Mangwele/Rantao as a warrant of arrest was issued on 24 May 2023.
It is alleged that on Sunday 27 March 2011, “Mangwele” was at the local tavern when he suddenly got into an argument with Patrice Shai. A few moments later, Shai went outside and the accused followed him. However, the deceased never went back into the tavern and that is when his acquaintances went out to look for him. They found his body with a stab wound on his chest, just a few houses from the tavern.
Anyone who might have information that can assist the police in finding “Mangwele” can contact the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Thekiso Khotso, from Kopanong police station on the following numbers: 072 135 8334 or 051 423 2007.