Polokwane serial killer, rapist in court next week
It is alleged he kidnapped, raped, murdered seven women from the Polokwane, Seshego and Lebowakgomo areas respectively and dumped their bodies in and around the city.
POLOKWANE – A 34-year-old man from Seshego, is expected to appear in the Seshego Magistrate’s Court on Monday (November 15) in connection with a series of murders in the Capricorn district.
The victims are aged between 25 and 48 and are from the Seshego, Polokwane Lebowakgomo areas respectively and were reported missing between August and October.
Police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said initial investigations pointed to the possible involvement of a serial killer whose modus operandi was to lure women and promise them employment. “A probe was ordered by provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe and a team of investigators led by a senior officer was established.”
The accused was initially arrested for possession of a stolen cellphone. “Preliminary investigations revealed that the cellphone belonged to a woman who was reportedly kidnapped in Lebowakgomo in October.
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“Further investigations soon led to the discovery of seven bodies of women dumped at different locations in the Seshego, Polokwane, Mankweng and Westenburg policing areas.”
Mojapelo added that the victims have been positively identified by their next of kin. They inlclude:
- 42-year-old Sarah Moitswadi Mathiba (42) who was reportedly kidnapped at Lebowakgomo last month.
- 34 year-old Lesotho national, Moleboheng Mothibeli, who was reported missing in Polokwane in October.
- 41-year-old Eva Khomotso Makhura who was reported missing at Seshego in October.
- 34-year-old Mpho Sanah Sinyatsi who was reported missing from Luthuli Park Extension 9L under Seshego policing area in October
- 25-year-old Andrea Cholo who was reported kidnapped at Seshego in September.
- 48-year-old Chisimango Gumbo, a foreign national, who was reported missing at Seshego in August and
- 42-year-old Letswalo whose body was found next to Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane in August.
“Forensic investigations are already underway to conclusively determine if the bodies positively match those of the deceased.” he added.
The accused faces charges of kidnapping, murder, rape, robbery and defeating the ends of justice and police investigations continue to determine if he can possibly be linked with other cases.
Limpopo MEC for Social Development Nkakareng Rakgoale commended the police for the breakthrough on the case and called for the court not to grant bail to the accused.
“We commend the police for the breakthrough on the cases and hope that their investigation will ensure that the wrath of the law is meted out against the perpetrator.
The police appealed to anyone who might have a family member missing around Seshego, Mankweng, Lebowakgomo, Polokwane and surrounding areas to contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Joel Seroka, on 083 1010 499 or 0799943353. They can also contact the 24-hour Crime Stop number on 086 001 0111, their nearest police station or via the MySAPSApp.
Hadebe commended the team of investigators whose hard work led to the incarceration of the accused. “The arrest of this suspect will strengthen our resolve to defeat the scourge of gender-based violence in the province. It will also send a clear message to criminals that the police are more than determined to hunt down all perpetrators of GBV and femicide,” she concluded.
