Man kidnapped and murdered in Moteti, while Nebo police investigate murder and culpable homicide cases
Dennilton/Ga-Marishane
The Police in Dennilton have launched an extensive manhunt for unknown suspects who kidnapped and murdered a 29-year-old man between Sunday 18 and Monday 19 February 2024.
According to Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police Spokesperson, it is alleged that the victim was with a female companion on Sunday night, 18 February, at about 23h00, at a food outlet in Moteti Village when the woman requested the victim to accompany her to the nearby bushes as she was pressed.
“Suddenly, the pair was accosted by an unknown armed man who fired a random shot in their direction. The victim tried to fight back, while the woman screamed for help but another suspect emerged from nowhere, driving a blue Toyota Etios without registration number. The suspects forced the victim into the vehicle and sped off. The police were notified and a manhunt for the suspects ensued,” explained Ledwaba.
He said the body of the victim with gunshot wounds was discovered the following morning on Monday at about 07h00, not far from where he was kidnapped on the gravel road at Waalkraal Phase A and he was identified as Jeffrey Sipho Diphofa (29).
“During investigation, two spent cartridges and one live round of ammunition were discovered at the scene. The motive behind the incident is unknown and police investigations continues. Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects should contact Captain Simon Nkadimeng on 063 670 2919, the Crime Stop Number on 08600 10111, the nearest police station or make use of MySAPSApp,” he said.
Furthermore, Ledwaba said the Police in Nebo are investigating a case of murder and inquest after a 38-year-old African male and a 34-year-old woman, were found dead at their residence in Ga-Marishane Dihlaganeng Section on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 February 2024 at 19h00.
“The police received information from neighbours about a house with an unpleasant smell. Upon arrival at the said house, the doors were locked and they knocked with no answer. They forced entry and found a man hanging on the roof with a rope, in an advance state of decomposition, with a 3-year-old girl child alive. She immediately rushed to the police after the door opened and she was taken to the nearest hospital for medical attention. It is alleged that a suicide note was found in the house,” said Ledwaba.
He added that the Police Search and Rescue and K9 Units were summoned to help with the partner’s search and during the search on Thursday evening, the teams noticed a shallow grave close to the house that was filled with firewood.
“The police dug the grave and discovered a body of a woman wrapped in blankets. It was in an advanced state of decomposition. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of the deaths. The deceased were identified as Johannes Mahlaba (38) and Magabjane Cecilia Maila (34),” Ledwaba said.
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo, condemned the incidents, calling upon couples having domestic related problems to seek help from relevant professionals to avoid unnecessary loss of life.
