Slain Dr Johannes Mehlape’s relative, Mologadi Mehlape (28), was amongst the suspects who appeared in court for his murder.
Mologadi, Hlolofelo Mogotlane (33) and Tshepo Ranoto (34) have appeared before the Mankweng Magistrates Court outside Polokwane, Limpopo on Monday, 22 January.
Their case was postponed to Thursday, 25 January for a formal bail hearing.
They face charges of murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of unlicensed firearm, and ammunition.
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The Lebopo circuit manager was gunned down at his home in Mankweng zone 1 outside Polokwane on Thursday, 28 December 2023 during an alleged robbery.
Limpopo police spokesman Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said preliminary investigations established that Dr Mehlape's daughter was ambushed and forced inside the house when she had returned from a function.
The suspects demanded to know Dr Mehlape's whereabouts.
“The armed suspects then combed the house and found Dr Mehlape. They allegedly demanded cash but after he gave it to them, they shot him and fled the scene,” said Ledwaba.
Hlolofelo and Tshepo were arrested in the early hours of Saturday, 13 January in Zebediela by investigators, a tracking team, and the murder and robbery unit members in collaboration with private security companies during an operation.
“The two male suspects were found in possession of a double cab Ford Ranger which was allegedly used to commit the crime. The vehicle was confiscated,” said Ledwaba.
He said more arrests are expected while police investigations continue.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe said: “We will forever be indebted to the team for working relentlessly in pursuit of the criminals. I have directed the team to leave no stone unturned during the investigation in establishing the facts and bringing those responsible to book," she said.
