Controversial North West Ward Councillor Arrested Following Assault and Robbery Allegations

A controversial Ward 4 councillor from the Madibeng Sub-Region in Bojanala, North West, has been arrested after allegedly attempting to flee following a series of serious violent crimes on Wednesday.

John “Papi” Ratele, 44, faces multiple charges, including malicious damage to property, armed robbery, attempted murder, pointing of a firearm, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).

North West SAPS spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh confirmed that the 44-year-old suspect handed himself over to the police yesterday.

“He is being charged with assault with grievous bodily harm, malicious damage to property, and armed robbery. According to information received, three victims aged 40, 40, and 32 were called to attend a meeting convened by the suspect in Maboloko. When they arrived, they noticed the meeting was already concluding,” Myburgh said.

“Realising the meeting was over, they got into their vehicle but were barricaded by other cars and stopped by the suspect. The suspect confronted the driver, demanding to see their cellphones and accusing them of filming videos. The driver was assaulted, and when the other two victims tried to intervene, they were also attacked. The victims managed to escape to a local house, from where they were taken to a nearby clinic. The police are investigating, and the suspect is expected to appear in court on Tuesday,” Myburgh added.

This arrest follows a report by MDN News on Wednesday regarding Ratele’s recent court appearance for separate charges, including arson, attempted murder, malicious damage to property, and theft.

The violent allegations have deeply shaken a community already fractured by a decades-long leadership dispute.

The court had previously granted Ratele bail under strict conditions, which explicitly prohibited him from addressing the public.

However, local residents claim he has flagrantly violated this order by speaking at community gatherings and acting in a manner they describe as utterly contemptuous toward the recognised traditional leader, Chief Tumo Tsajoa.