By BAKANG MOKOTO
24 April 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has welcomed the arrest of suspects who allegedly have been involved in the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Hasani Daniel Maluleke (62), in Wilkoppies in Klerksdorp.
Morweng said according to the police, the group arrest followed the activation of multi-disciplinary units that were activated after the former girlfriend of the deceased was unable to reach him on his cell phone on 11 April 2025.
“Preliminary investigations established that Maluleka’s Mercedes Benz and Toyota Hilux vehicles were missing and that the house had been ransacked. Following police investigations, it came to light that a substantial amount of money was withdrawn from Maluleka’s bank account.
“The team’s efforts led to the arrest of Julia Kolobi at Extension 10, Jouberton Township, on 13 April 2025. The other four suspects were arrested in Sebokeng Township, in Gauteng Province and Kanana Township, near Orkney between 19 and 20 April 2025,” he said.
Morweng further said upon effecting the arrests, the team confiscated Volkswagen Tiguan and Golf vehicles, which are believed to have been used in the commission of the crimes. He added that the team recovered Maluleka vehicles’ keys, a laptop and unlicensed 9mm firearm with ammunition.
“In addition, the team recovered the victim’s Mercedes Benz in Evaton Township. I am worried by the cases that are linked to the recent one, where people are being kidnapped for ransom and forced to transfer monies from their bank applications linked on the phones,” said Morweng.
He said as the MEC for the department, he is worried about these types of cases as more often than not victims get injured or killed, if they do not comply.
“However, I want to assure the community that our police are on top of their game and we will crack the syndicate.
“My advice to our people is that they should always be on the alert, observe some suspicious movement and report to one of the family members or police more so when doing transactions and avoid secluded ATMs,” he said.
Morweng said following the arrest, the suspects have now been charged with murder. He said Julia Kolobi (47), Mcdonald Tsolo (39), Bongani Rampai (43), Thabo Motlatsi (50) and Kagiso Wageng (37), briefly appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 22 April 2025, facing charges of kidnapping, house robbery and murder.
“They will remain in custody until their next appearance on 30 April 2025, for legal representation and a bail application. The body of Maluleka was retrieved by police divers from Schoonspruit River, near Orkney on Monday morning, 21 April 2025.
“Investigations into the matter continue. I would like to reiterate the call for communities to work with police to be able to win the battle against crime and lawlessness within our communities,” he said.
The Guardian 