A school principal (49) and another male suspect (42) were also nabbed by the Police investigators and Private Security Sector in connection with murder case of Department of Education Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape (56), who was shot-dead, while in his house at Mankweng Zone1, on 28 December 2023.
Following further intensive investigation, two suspects were arrested separately, on Wednesday, 24 January 2024. The principal was arrested at Moremadi Park after the warrant of arrest was issued. Then, positive leads resulted in the arrest of a 42-year-old man, who was found in his hiding spot at Mahwelereng Zone1. He was found in possession of ammunition and a 9mm firearm with grinded serial number. Preliminary investigations revealed that the recovered firearm was utilized during the murder of Dr Mehlape at Mankweng Zone1.
On Thursday, 25 January 2024, the two suspects will appear before Mankweng Magistrate’s Court, alongside their three accomplices, Hlolofelo Mogotlane, (33), Tshepo Ranoto, (34) and Mologadi Mehlape (28), facing charges of murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition for formal bail application.
In the past weeks, the three suspects were arrested separately in Mankweng and Zebediela by a team of investigators, including the provincial tracking team, provincial murder and robbery members, as well as private security companies.
During the arrest, a double cab Ford Ranger, which was allegedly used to commit the crime, was confiscated.
According to information received, the deceased’s daughter was ambushed when she returned from a function and forced inside the house. The suspects demanded to know the whereabouts of Mehlape and robbed one of two people they had rounded up inside
The armed suspects then combed the house and found Mehlape. They allegedly demanded cash, and after he gave them, they shot him and fled the scene.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo SAPS Major General Jan Scheepers praised the arresting team for working relentlessly as they arrested more suspects linked to this murder case.
The Police investigations are still ongoing.
More arrests are expected.
