Polokwane and Seshego businessmen’s murders: Man accused in both cases

Mabu Paul Mailula (44) has been implicated by police in the alleged contract killings of two businessmen in Polokwane and Seshego over the past nine months.

Mailula is the primary suspect in the murder of funeral parlour executive Jackie Ramogale (40) and taxi boss Pilane ‘Pizza’ Meela (37).

According to a police statement, Mailula is alleged to have gunned down Ramogale in Thornhill in January. Ramogale was attacked shortly after leaving the gym, as he was approaching his vehicle.

Another police statement, dated last Friday, stated that Mailula is also implicated in the murder of Meela.

On October 12 at 21:00, Meela was shot outside his home in Zone 3, Seshego.

The attackers arrived in a minibus with no registration plate and fired several shots, critically injuring Meela’s friend, who survived after being treated in hospital.

Mailula was arrested earlier this month, in connection with Ramogale’s murder.

His arrest led to the capture of Alpheus Tsitsa Mathekga (33) and Thabiso Lax Malebana (41) last Tuesday in connection with Meela’s murder.

All three men are being held in police custody and are due to soon appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court for their formal bail applications.

They face charges of conspiracy to commit murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The murders of Ramogale and Meela have left the communities of Polokwane and Seshego in shock. Their deaths, occurring months apart, sparked widespread concern, with their funerals being well-attended and their lives celebrated on social media.

Following his arrest, Mailula allegedly confessed in an affidavit that he was hired to carry out a series of killings and had been given a list of targets.

The vehicle used in the crimes was seized during the arrests of Mathekga and Malebana.

Police confirmed that investigations into these cases are ongoing.