Community Captures Fugitive Suspected of Triple Spade Murder

​Residents of Moeka Vuma in the North West province apprehended and surrendered 41-year-old James Mohajane to the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Thursday morning, bringing a swift end to an intensive manhunt following the brutal killings of three individuals over the weekend.

​Mohajane was wanted in connection with the deaths of his girlfriend, Moipone Lefoka, her sister, Esther Lefoka, and Esther’s boyfriend, Tshepo Molekwa. The victims’ bodies were discovered on Sunday morning, August 23, inside Molekwa’s home bearing fatal injuries inflicted by a spade. Police arrived at the scene to find the suspect absent, though investigators recovered his mobile phone left behind.

​National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe reported that the breakthrough occurred at approximately 9:30 AM after law enforcement circulated the suspect’s photograph to the public. Less than twelve hours after the public alert, vigilant community members located Mohajane, detained him, and handed him directly over to local authorities.

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​Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, lauded the public, media personnel, and social media users for their collaborative efforts and rapid information-sharing, which proved vital in securing the suspect’s apprehension. Dimpane emphasized that active public participation remains an essential pillar in combating violent crime across the country, noting a similar citizen-led arrest in Klerksdorp the previous week involving a homicide suspect on the run from Soweto.

​The suspect is expected to appear in court soon to face multiple charges of murder as investigations by the SAPS continue.