A Lesotho national was arrested in connection with the alleged killing of Constable Sipho Mohapi and Constable Gedione Motloung of Namahadi Visible Policing. Both officers were shot and killed while responding to a house robbery in Phuthaditjhaba on Saturday, 4 January 2025.
The suspect, who is in South Africa illegally, was traced and arrested in Phuthaditjhaba by a team consisting of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Provincial Organised Crime, and Local Criminal Record Center (LCRC) on Wednesday, 15 January 2025. He was caught horseback near Monontsha Port of Entry in an apparent attempt to escape into neighbouring Lesotho.
The suspect was found in possession of a cellphone stolen during the robbery and a firearm suspected to have been used during the murders. He will appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrates Court on Friday, 17 January 2025 facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and robbery.
The National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General (Adv/Dr) Godfrey Lebeya has commended the multi-disciplinary team, which has worked without ceasing, for the breakthrough. “A search for two outstanding suspects continues,” he said.
Anyone with information is urged to call detective Captain Michael Masekoa on 082 455 6063.