
A Lesotho national has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of two police officers, Constable Sipho Mohapi and Constable Gedione Motloung who were killed while responding to a house robbery in Phuthaditjhaba on 4 January 2025.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in collaboration with Crime Intelligence, the Tactical Response Team (TRT) , the Provincial Organised Crime Unit, and the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), arrested the suspect on Wednesday. He was found horseback near the Monontsha Port of Entry, allegedly attempting to flee into neighbouring Lesotho.
The suspect who is reportedly in South Africa illegally, was found in possession of a cellphone stolen during the robbery and a firearm suspected to have been used during the murders. He is set to appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 17 January 2025 facing charges of murder , attempted murder, and robbery.
The National Head of the Hawks , Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya praised the team’s efforts in securing the arrest.
“The multi-disciplinary team worked tirelessly to achieve this breakthrough. The search for two remaining suspects is still ongoing,” said Lebeya.
Police are urging anyone with information about the remaining suspects to contact Detective Captain Michael Masekoa at 082 455 6063.