Moses Malepe (42) allegedly murdered his biological father with his friend Lazarus Ramoshaba (38).
Malepe was arrested shortly after his father’s body was discovered in the bushes between Santeng and Molalane villages outside Hoedspruit.
However Ramoshaba was no where to be found until it was discovered that he had been arrested in Mpumalanga for cable theft.
Hoedspruit police spokesperson Sgt Livhuwani Mulaudzi told Herald that Ramoshaba was transferred from Ohrigstad police station to Hoedspruit on 12 October. His first court appearance was on 14 October, he was formally charged with murder.
Police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said Jackson Malepe (70) was reported missing on the evening of Sunday 30 August by his family members.
Also read: Woman in hospital after being stabbed during robbery
“The family members alleged that on 28 August he took his cattle to graze early in the morning as usual, but to their surprise he didn’t return home. A missing person file was opened,” he said.
Mojapelo said on 31 August police together with his family and community members searched for the missing man.
“During the search he was found between Santeng and Molalane village (bushes) outside Hoedspruit.
“Unfortunately he was killed, burned and his face was covered with plastic,” Mojapelo said.
Also read: Men march against GBV
He said his family identified him from the clothes he was wearing when he left home.
His cellphone was found in the pocket of his trousers and all of his livestock were also found. Mojapelo said prior to the incident Malepe allegedly requested an amount of R10 000 from his father because he wanted to start a business. “It seems the father told him he doesn’t have the money.
“The son then suggested that he sell some of his cattle so that he can raise the money. The father allegedly refused to sell his cattle,” said Mojapelo.
Mojapelo said on the Friday that Malepe was last seen, Moses together with his friend allegedly went to the bush to ambush his father.
Moses was arrested on 17 September and he was charged with murder.
