A FEMALE relative is amongst the three suspects who have been arrested for the murder of Lebopo circuit manager, Dr Johannes Mehlape (56).
The relative, Mologadi Mehlape (28) along with Hlolofelo Mogotlane (33) and Tshepo Ranoto (34) appeared at Mankweng Magistrates Court outside Polokwane, Limpopo on Monday, 15 January.
Their case was postponed to Monday, 22 January for a formal bail hearing.
They are facing charges of murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of unlicensed firearm, and ammunition.
Mehlape was gunned down at his home in Mankweng zone 1 outside Polokwane, Limpopo on Thursday, 28 December during an alleged robbery.
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Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the spokesperson for the Limpopo police, revealed that preliminary investigations indicated that Mehlape's daughter was ambushed upon returning home from an event.
"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 it to them, they shot him and fled the scene,” he said.
Mogotlane and Tshepo were arrested in the early hours of Saturday, 13 January, in Zebediela by investigators, tracking team, 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.
Ledwaba said more arrests are expected while police investigations continue.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe has praised the team of investigators for thorough work they have done in arresting the suspects.
