POLOKWANE – Police have arrested a third suspect in connection with the murder of 43-year-old businessman Tebogo Mothapo, who was killed in the Mankweng policing area in December 2025.

Happy Maponya, 30, was arrested on Tuesday, September 1, at Ga-Thoka village during an intelligence-driven operation by the Provincial Tracking Team and Provincial Investigation Unit, assisted by Tshimollo Security and Investigations.

Court appearance

Maponya appeared before the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on the same day, alongside two other suspects already arrested in connection with the case.

He faces six charges:

• Conspiracy to commit robbery
• Conspiracy to commit murder
• Murder
• Possession of an unlicensed firearm
• Possession of unlicensed ammunition
• Robbery with aggravating circumstances

The three suspects were remanded in custody until September 9 for their bail applications.

Previous arrests

The first suspect, 27-year-old Osama Asad, was arrested at Ga-Mothapo, Tjatjaneng, on July 20. The second suspect, 19-year-old Kagontle Moshibudi Sina Bopape, was arrested on August 30 during an intelligence-driven operation involving several police units and Tshimollo Security and Investigations.

Investigation continues

The investigation is continuing as police work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the murder and bring all those allegedly involved before the courts.