Three suspects are in police custody following an arrest in connection with the alleged murder of two men around the Kwa Mai Mai Hostel near Jeppestown on July 19.
Thabo Leuta and Rethabile Mohapi, both 27, were shot dead while they were asleep in their shack.
Leuta died at the scene, while Mohapi was taken to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, where he later died.
“Both the deceased were ambushed in their sleep and shot several times by at least five armed men. Both the victims and suspects are from Lesotho and earned a living as scrap metal collectors. They were normally seen pushing trolleys along the streets in and around town.
“A case of murder was opened at Jeppe SAPS and investigations have started. The first suspect was arrested at about 8.10pm, a day after the incident, when police received information on his whereabouts. He was found in possession of a firearm loaded with seven live rounds,” said Jeppe SAPS spokesperson Capt Richard Munyayi.
“A further two suspects were arrested. Two unlicensed firearms, a shotgun and a Norinco special was recovered. The suspects were arrested at Kwa Mai Mai Informal Settlement at about 3.30pm on July 24, and along with the first suspect, detained at Jeppe SAPS,” added Munyayi.
He said the other two suspects are still on the run. Munyayi added that the suspects are being linked to various crimes that were committed around the Jeppestown and Cleveland areas. They will appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court while investigations continue.
