Elderly CPF member’s (83) stepson charged for his murder

LIMPOPO – Residents of Shamfana near Giyani are still in shock following the brutal murder of a dedicated Community Policing Forum (CPF) member.

The 83-year-old Recksom Mathebula was stabbed to death in a domestic violence incident in the early hours of March 28.

Information is that Mathebula was on his way home from fulfilling his responsibilities as a CPF member when he was ambushed and attacked at Shamfana village, Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba confirmed.

He said investigations pointed to two close relatives of Mathebula, who were subsequently arrested.

“His stepson was charged with murder while the other person was charged with defeating the ends of justice. Some of the deceased’s belongings were found in their possession,” Ledwaba said.

CPF chairperson Andries Ramosinyadi described Mathebula’s killing as a terrible blow to crime fighting in the area.

“We are heartbroken and our hearts are bleeding. He was the backbone of our organisation and dedicated to the fight against crime. His death has left a void that will be hard to fill. He was a hardworking old man who always encouraged us. We knew he had some disputes at home, but we thought these had been solved, and now this happened,” he said.

Jaster Mathebula has been charged with murder, and Godwin Mafa with defeating the ends of justice after he is thought to have concealed evidence.

The two appeared in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on April 2 and their case was postponed for formal bail application.

During the appearance, CPF members, including those from Vhembe, led by CPF chairperson Adv Tshimangadzo Enos Muthobi, protested outside court.