Education circuit manager murder: Daughter joins 2 in dock
Mehlape's daughter, Mologadi on Monday appeared with the two other accused in the Mankweng Magistrate's Court on charges of murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances.
POLOKWANE – Provincial police have confirmed that more arrests are imminent after the latest suspect to be arrested for the murder of an education circuit manager in the Polokwane municipal area, was his 28-year-old daughter.
Hlolofelo Mogotlane (33) and Tshepo Ranoto (34) were initially charged with murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances and possession of an unlicensed firearm after Malekutu Johannes Mehlape was reportedly shot dead in what seemed like a house robbery on December 28.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased’s daughter was returning from a soccer tournament and when she alighted from the vehicle (that had been used by the perpetrators) two suspects emerged from nowhere and one pointed her with a firearm. They ordered her to get inside the house where they found the younger brother. They then demanded to know the father’s whereabouts before they robbed the brother of his cellphone,” a police statement reads.
The men ordered the siblings to their father’s bedroom where they woke him up and demanded money.
After he gave them a wallet containing an undisclosed amount, he was shot several times and the suspects subsequently fled on foot, Brig Hlulani Mashaba added.
Police and paramedics responded to the crime scene, where Mehlape was certified dead.
Meanwhile, the police and private security companies collaborated and the suspects were arrested in Zebediela.
Mehlape’s daughter, Mologadi on Monday appeared with the two other accused in the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on charges of murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The consolidated case was postponed to next Monday for formal bail application. Police investigations continue.
