PRETORIA – A Lesotho national has been arrested in connection with the alleged killing of Constable Sipho Mohapi and Constable Gedione Motloung of Namahadi Visible Policing. The officers were tragically shot and killed while responding to a house robbery in Phuthaditjhaba on Saturday, 4 January 2025.
The suspect, who was in South Africa illegally, was apprehended on Wednesday, 15 January 2025, in Phuthaditjhaba by a multi-disciplinary team. The arrest involved the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Provincial Organised Crime, and the Local Criminal Record Center (LCRC). The suspect was captured near Monontsha Port of Entry, attempting to flee to Lesotho on horseback.
During the arrest, the suspect was found with a cellphone stolen during the robbery and a firearm believed to have been used in the murders. He is scheduled to appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrates Court on Friday, 17 January 2025, facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and robbery.
Lieutenant General (Adv/Dr) Godfrey Lebeya, the National Head of the Hawks, praised the relentless efforts of the multi-disciplinary team for the breakthrough. “The search for two outstanding suspects continues,” he said.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the remaining suspects to contact Detective Captain Michael Masekoa at 082 455 6063.
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