A man accused of triple murder arrested



Picture: The suspect arrested for triple murder/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE
27 August 2026 – The acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has once again expressed her appreciation to communities across the country, as well as members of the media and social media users, for their assistance in the swift apprehension of James Mohajane (41). Mohajane was the subject of an intensive manhunt after he was identified as the alleged perpetrator in the brutal murders of his girlfriend, Moipone Lefoka, her sister, Esther Lefoka and Esther’s boyfriend, Tshepo Molekwa.

The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the three victims were allegedly hacked to death with a spade at a house in Moeka Vuma, near Makapanstad in the North West over the weekend. Mathe said less than 12 hours after SAPS issued a public alert and circulated Mohajane’s photograph, the community of Moeka Vuma stood up and played a critical role in bringing the suspect to police.

“SAPS can confirm that at approximately 9am this morning, members of the Moeka Vuma community handed Mohajane over to the police,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has commended the community for its vigilance and cooperation, emphasising that community participation remains a critical component in preventing and solving serious and violent crimes.

“Once again, our communities have demonstrated that they are an important partner in the fight against crime.

“The swift response by the community of Moeka Vuma, together with the assistance of the media and social media users who shared the suspect’s photograph, has contributed significantly to bringing this wanted suspect into police custody,” she said.

Dimpane further thanked everyone who played a role. She added that just last week, members of the community in Klerksdorp assisted police in apprehending a wanted boyfriend who had been on the run after allegedly killing his girlfriend in a backroom in Soweto.

“I would also like to commend the investigators and police members involved for working tirelessly to ensure that wanted suspects are brought to justice,” concluded Dimpane.
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Three people hacked to death with spade


By OBAKENG MAJE

26 August 2026 – The police in Moeka Vuma, near Makapanstad have launched a manhunt for a man (41) wanted in connection with the brutal murder of three people. The police are searching for James Mohajane, who is wanted for the murder of his girlfriend, Moipone Lefoka, her sister, Esther Lefoka and Esther’s boyfriend, Tshepo Molekwa.

The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said it is alleged that the three victims were last seen together at a house belonging to Tshepo Molekwa. Mathe said on Sunday morning, the bodies of the three victims were discovered at the house.

“They had allegedly been hacked to death with a spade. Mohajane was nowhere to be found when police arrived at the scene. His cellphone was, however, found at the crime scene. The motive for the killings is still under investigation.

“SAPS is appealing to anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of James Mohajane to immediately contact Sergeant Nhlapo on 078 918 7746,” she said.

Mathe further said members of the public are urged not to approach or confront the suspect, but to immediately provide information to the police. She added that the SAPS reiterates its commitment to intensifying efforts to prevent and combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and violent crime, particularly crimes targeting women and vulnerable groups.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) intensifies its fight against GBVF and serious and violent crimes perpetrated against women, children and vulnerable groups during Women’s Month,” said Mathe.

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