Never say never has not been so far from the truth to the Randfontein Detectives when they arrested a man for a crime committed 23 years ago.
Randfontein Police spokesperson, Captain Appel Ernst said, “23 years ago, Samson Lemeko was involved in a hijacking for which he was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment. He escaped from the Protea Court in September 1992 shortly after being sentenced.”
She added he allegedly also was involved in the murder of a well-known Soweto Hair Salon owner, Pat Magadze in 1993. Lemeko then disappeared, staying under the radar since his escape.
The case attracted a lot of media attention and in an interview with City Press, Magadze’s widow indicated the police never will find her husband’s alleged murderer.
On 14 December, 2015 Samson Lemeko was traced, found and rearrested in the Honeydew area due to the hard work and 23 year dedication by Lt Col Gert Kruger. Kruger was the investigating officer of the Magadze murder and kidnapping for a time when he was stationed in Soweto. He made it his mission to bring Lemeko to justice whenever and wherever.”
Ernst said Lemeko went under a pseudonym for the past 23 years and it has even been alleged he changed his name officially – this is currently being investigated.
After the arrest, Lemeko was immediately transported to Johannesburg Prison to start serving his 12 year sentence. He also will now face the kidnapping and murder charges in Eldorado Park and the escape charge in Moroka.
“Lt Col Kruger and Warrant Officer Le Roux from Randfontein Detectives, Captain van den Heever, Warrant Officer Bornman from the Trio Task team and reservist, Constable Bell from Honeydew were involved in the tracing and arresting of Lemeko.
“Investigators are still trying to inform the widow of Pat Magadze about the breakthrough but had to leave voice messages since the last known telephone number only goes on voice mail. The members involved are commended for the long hours spent tracing the accused, for their perseverance and their determination in successfully apprehending this man after 23 years.”
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