Former Thohoyandou prosecutor, Leonard Ratshilumela Makhado (49), was again arrested and appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court last week facing charges of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

This follows an incident on Tuesday, March 29 in Mukula village where Makhado and his co-accused, Mbofholowo Freedom Tshikovhele (27) were arrested a day later after the house of a key witness in a matter in which Makhado is on trial for, was set alight, the spokesperson for the Limpopo National Public Prosecution, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi confirmed.

Limpopo police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said police in Thohoyandou are investigating a case of attempted murder in Mukula village when a woman was alerted in the early morning after smelling something she described as petrol.

“She realised that the house was on fire and started screaming. Other family members managed to assist and extinguish the fire and she was rescued. Police were called and her family members were taken to the police station for safety,” said Mojapelo.

In May 2020, Makhado was arrested at Thavhani Mall in Thohoyandou by members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, during an undercover operation for seemingly accepting a bribe to have a case disappear.

Makhado is said to have demanded R6 000 from the parent of a driver, who was facing charges of reckless and negligent driving.

Makhado failed to appear in the Giyani Specialised Commercial Crime Court on March 28 for trial and a warrant of arrest was issued.Malabi-Dzhangi added that the NPA said it is disappointing to find someone in a position of authority apparently committing such crimes.

Makhado’s case and that of his co-accused was postponed to April 6 to secure an available prosecutor from outside Thohoyandou to proceed with the matter.

Meanwhile, the acting state prosecutor in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court, Tovhowani Tshiisaphungo asked that the court appoint an independent person to deal with the Makhado case.