Constable Sipho Mohapi’s (45) funeral will be held at the Phuthaditjhaba Multi-purpose Hall on Friday (17/1) and the Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale, and the Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lt Gen. Tebello Mosikili, will attend.

Constable Gedione Motloung’s (39) funeral was held on Thursday (16/1) at the Phuthaditjhaba Roman Catholic Church and the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, and Mosikili attended the funeral.

“A Lesotho national will appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Friday (17/1) facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and robbery,” said Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale.

“The suspect was traced and arrested on Wednesday (15/1) on horseback near Monontsha Port of Entry in an apparent attempt to escape into neighbouring Lesotho.”

The suspect, who allegedly was 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, she said.

A memorial service was held for the constables at the Charles Mopeli community hall in Namahadi village on Wednesday (15/1) where various police units, provincial marching band, police unions, the Maluti-a-Phofung municipality, and different churches attended.

The community hall was full at the memorial service in Namahadi. Photo: SAPS

The National Head of the Hawks, Lt Gen. (Adv./Dr) Godfrey Lebeya commended the multi-disciplinary team, which worked continuously hard for the breakthrough.

The two constables were fatally shot on Saturday, 4 January, in Phuthaditjhaba.

“A search for two outstanding suspects continues, anyone with information is urged to call detective Capt. Michael Masekoa on 082 455 6063 or contact the crime stop number on 08600 10111.

The Lesotho national arrested in connection with the murders. Photo: Hawks

The second quarter crime statistics revealed that between July and September 2024, SAPS lost 17 officers as a result of crime. Of the 17, 13 were off-duty and four were on-duty.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg