Mahwelereng: Man to appear for girlfriend’s murder
Hopane was arrested for first kidnapping and then murdering his girlfriend.
LIMPOPO- A 25-year-old man will soon appear in the Mokerong Magistrates’ Court in Mahwelereng following the alleged murder of his 20-year-old girlfriend.
According to information, Lesiba Edwin Hopane and the deceased, 20-year-old Noko Fransina Senosha, were at a tavern at Ga Mothapo village near Turfloop on 27 December 2016. Hopane then took Senosha to his home at Tenneriffe village.
The next day she was seen in the company of her boyfriend where the community noticed she had injuries to her face and body.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo says that was the last time she was seen and she was reported missing the following day.
“The suspect who is also the deceased boyfriend was subsequently arrested on a charge of kidnapping on 4 January 2017. Since the arrest the suspect appeared in court on several occasions and remanded in custody,” says Mojapelo
Hopane appeared before Court on Friday 27 Janaury and the case was remanded to 8 February.
During the initial investigation, he never revealed where the deceased was until the assistance of the Limpopo Tracking Team members was requested the past weekend.
“On Sunday members followed up on formation about a body buried in a shallow grave next to the river at Tenneriffe village. The body was ultimately exhumed in the early hours of this morning and although it was identified as that of the missing woman, DNA examination will be conducted for confirmation,” says Mojapelo
It is alleged that the deceased, who was a Grade 12 pupil at Nthuba High School, was assaulted until she died.
A second suspect who allegedly assisted in burying the body was also arrested and will appear in court today.
“Lesiba Hopane will appear again on 8 February where the charge of murder will be added to the one of kidnapping,” Mojapelo concluded.
