Another family member in dock for circuit manager murder
In the past weeks, Mogotlane, Ranoto and the deceased's daughter were arrested on separate occasions in Zebediela and Mankweng.
POLOKWANE – A school principal and the sister in-law of murdered provincial education circuit manager, Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape’s who was shot dead on December 28 during a supposed house robbery in Mankweng, has been identified by the police as a suspected accomplice in the murder case.
The 42-year-old Mahlodi Melida Mathole and four other accused appeared before the Magistrate’s Court in Mankweng last Thursday and were remanded in custody until today’s (Thursday) appearance for formal bail application.
The victim’s daughter, Mologadi Mehlape (28) along with Sello Michael Molongoane (49), Hlolofelo Mogotlane, (33), Tshepo Ranoto, (34) have already been charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder and the possession of an unlicensed firearm respectively.
Police sources revealed that an intensive investigation led to the separate arrests of Mathole and Molongoane in Moremadi Park and Mahwelereng respectively. Moloangoane, who was said to be in hiding, was found in possession of ammunition and a 9mm firearm, the police confirmed.
“Preliminary investigations showed that the recovered firearm is believed to have been used during the murder of Dr Mehlape in Mankweng Zone 1,” a police statement reads.
In the past weeks, Mogotlane, Ranoto and the deceased’s daughter were arrested on separate occasions in Zebediela and Mankweng.
A double cab bakkie suspected to have been used to commit the crime was confiscated, police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba mentioned.
