Traffic officer nabbed for murder, man found hanging in Mamaneng in separate incident
Lebowakgomo/Mamaneng
The Limpopo Murder and Robbery Tracking Team have arrested a 34-year-old traffic officer in connection with a murder of his girlfriend who was found dumped under a bridge at Chuenespoort in Lebowakgomo, on Thursday 24 August 2023.
The suspect, Kabelo Peter Duba, appeared briefly before the Polokwane and Lebowakgomo Magistrate’s Courts on Monday 28 August 2023 and was remanded in custody until Monday 4 September 2023 for further police investigation.
The suspect is facing charges of murder, unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition, theft of the deceased’s cellphone and defeating the ends of justice.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police Spokesperson, said on Thursday 17 August 2023, the police responded to the scene after the body of an unknown woman was discovered under the bridge along the R37 Road. The deceased’s age was estimated to be between 30 and 35 and had suffered a gunshot wound on the abdomen.
“A case of murder was opened and specialised detectives from the Provincial Office had been assigned to probe the occurrences. The police team, comprising of detectives from Murder and Robbery Tracking Team worked around the clock on the case and through meticulous investigation the suspect was positively linked to the murder. The suspect, attached to the Provincial Traffic in Polokwane was arrested at his homestead in Penina Park, Polokwane in the afternoon. He was found in possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Police also recovered some of the exhibits at the crime scene,” explained Ledwaba.
He added that the circumstance surrounding the incident is still being investigated and the deceased’s identity will be released after the next of kin have been notified.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has commended the investigating team for the major breakthrough.
“Gender based violence and femicide remain a top priority for the SAPS, and incidents like these are very disturbing and shameful as they also compromise the integrity of the law enforcement agencies. We shall make sure that this traffic officer rots in prison for such a brutal and premeditated murder,” said Hadebe.
Meanwhile Ledwaba said the Police in Matlerekeng are seeking public assistance to identify an unknown man who was found hanging on a tree by an employee at a plot in Mamaneng Village on Monday 21 August 2023 at around 17:30.
“According to information, one of the employees noticed an unknown person hanging from a tree and alerted other colleagues. Police were notified together with emergency personnel. On arrival, they found the body, which was in an advanced state of decomposition and he was certified dead at the scene by the emergency personnel,” said Ledwaba.
He added that the victim is currently unknown despite several efforts made to get hold of the relatives or family.
“The deceased was wearing grey, blue and red dots pyjama trousers and black T-shirt with orange print in front. The cause of his death will be determined by autopsy results,” Ledwaba said.
He said the police appeal to community members in the area whose family member is missing to contact Detective Sergeant Gezani Wilson Hlongwane on 064 756 8009, the crime stop number 08600 10111 or the nearest police station.
Furthermore, Ledwaba said a search for a 36-year-old Thabo Ally Molobela, is still on as they believe he can assist the police in solving a case in which, six family members were shot with a firearm in a domestic related incident.
“On the fateful day, two adults were fatally wounded while other four, including two infants, survived the attack with injuries at Makgophong in Magatle Policing Area on Saturday 19 August 2023. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts, is requested to contact Captain Malekutu Phasha on 082 445 9614, the nearest police station, crime stop toll free number on 08600 10111 or make use of MysapsApp,” concluded Ledwaba.
