Malamulele suspect arrested after 5 years on the run
After five years on the run, a 45-year-old suspect has been arrested for the 2019 murder and carjacking of a Limpopo teacher.
LIMPOPO – Charles Phakula (45) briefly appeared in the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court on Friday, facing charges of car hijacking and murder.
His case was postponed to September 9 for further police investigations and a formal bail application. He will remain in custody until then.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson, Col Malesela Ledwaba, intensified investigations led to the arrest of the suspect in connection with a carjacking and murder that took place on August 15, 2019 in Makumeke Mxadzi Ville in the Malamulele policing area.
Members of the Giyani detectives received information about the man last Wednesday and conducted an operation, leading to his arrest at Nkowankowa Complex under the Ritavi policing area.
“Preliminary reports indicate that on the day of the incident in 2019, police were called to a murder scene at Makumeke Mxadzi Ville. Upon arrival, they found a 31-year-old man, identified as high school teacher Matimu Chauke, lying on the ground with gunshot wounds. He was certified dead at the scene by paramedics. A case of carjacking and murder was then registered,” said Ledwaba.
Following the investigation and with assistance from a vehicle tracking company, the victim’s car, a blue hatchback, was recovered abandoned in the Vuwani policing area a few days after the incident.
Provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe welcomed the arrest. “This arrest is a reminder that no matter how long it takes, the wheels of justice will eventually catch up with criminals.”
Police investigations are continuing.
