Giyani stepdaughter, hitman held for murder
A joint police operation in Giyani led to the arrest of a stepdaughter and alleged hitman for the murder of a Makhuva businessman.
LIMPOPO – A coordinated police operation has led to the arrest of two suspects in connection with the murder of a well-known businessman from Giyani.
The suspects, the alleged hitman and the victim’s stepdaughter, were apprehended during a joint operation by Giyani Detectives, Lulekani Detectives, and the Mopani Tracking Team on Saturday, November 22.
The businessman was killed last year in November on the Mbawula main road.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the victim was approached by a man and a woman posing as customers wanting to buy building sand. The pair opened fire, killing him at the scene.
“Investigations later uncovered that the victim’s stepdaughter had arranged the killing and paid an agreed amount for it to be carried out,” says Ledwaba.
During an early-morning operation on Saturday, at approximately 03:00, officers traced the stepdaughter to Polokwane, where she was arrested for orchestrating the murder.
“The suspected hitman was already in custody on unrelated rape, firearm, ammunition, and Lulekani murder cases, and was positively linked to the Makhuva Village killing.”
Both suspects are expected to appear in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court today (November 24) on charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the teams involved in the arrests. Police say the investigation remains active, and additional arrests may follow.
