Minister Nxesi,calls for speedy investigation into the assault of top SA athletes
16 February 2018
The Minister of Sport and Recreation, TW Nxesi, has demanded a speedy investigation into the brutal assault of 5000m champion, Thabang Mosiako and his fellow runner, Rantso Mokopane, in what is believed to have been a racially motivated attack.
Thabang Mosiako and the 23-year-old Mokopane, the 3000m steeplechase runner, were allegedly attacked last week by a group of white males.
Minister Nxesi has urged authorities from the North West University, or Pukke, in Potchefstroom and the SA Police Services (SAPS) to expedite the investigations, and ensure speedy arrest of all those responsible for this senseless attack.
It is alleged that a scuffle ensued when Mosiako and Mokopane, along with another friend Sandy Londt, allegedly intervened to save a Cafe cashier who was at the time verbally abused by the alleged perpetrators. This infuriated the white males when they turned their anger to the trio and attacked them where Mosiako was left unconscious, and had to be hospitalised where he regained his consciousness.