A Limpopo school principal alongside another male suspect has been arrested for their alleged involvement in the murder of the Department of Education’s Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape.
Limpopo school principal arrested for assassination on Education Dept head
The education head was tragically shot dead at his Mankweng Zone 1 residence on 28 December 2023.
The deceased’s daughter was reportedly ambushed upon returning from a function and forced into the house, where the assailants demanded information on Dr Mehlape’s whereabouts.
After robbing the individuals present, they located Mehlape, demanded cash, and, despite his compliance, fatally shot him before fleeing the scene.
Following a meticulous investigation, the police and private security sector successfully apprehended the two suspects on Wednesday.
After a warrant was issued for arrest, the school principal was taken into custody at Moremadi Park. Shortly after that, the police tracked down the 42-year-old male suspect, uncovering him in a hideout in Mahwelereng Zone 1.
In his possession were ammunition and a 9mm firearm with a ground-off serial number, identified as the weapon used in Dr Mehlape’s murder.
According to the police statement,
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the recovered firearm was utilised during the murder of Dr Mehlape at Mankweng Zone 1.”
Both individuals, along with their three accomplices Hlolofelo Mogotlane, 33, Tshepo Ranoto, 34, and Mologadi Mehlape, 28, were scheduled to appear before the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court, on Thursday.
They face charges of murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and ammunition for a formal bail application.
In the weeks leading up to these arrests, three other suspects were detained in separate operations in Mankweng and Zebediela.
