POLOKWANE – A fourth suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of 43-year-old businessman Tebogo Mothapo, with the accused appearing in the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, September 9.

Ntsiri Justice Mashiane, 36, was arrested at the court by members of the Provincial Tracking Team and Provincial Investigation Unit after police obtained a warrant for his arrest.

Already serving a 40-year sentence

Mashiane is currently serving a 40-year sentence at Kutama-Sinthumule Correctional Centre in connection with another matter. He faces six charges relating to Mothapo’s murder, including:

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

Mothapo was attacked and shot dead in the Mankweng policing precinct on December 16, 2025.

The co-accused

Mashiane was joined in the matter by three co-accused:

• Osama Asad, 27
• Kagontle Moshibudi Sina Bopape, 19
• Happy Maponya, 30

Asad was arrested at Ga-Mothapo, Tjatjaneng, on July 20, followed by Bopape’s arrest on August 30 and Maponya’s arrest at Ga-Thoka village on September 1.

Bail proceedings

The court granted Asad bail of R10 000 under strict conditions, including:

• Reporting to Mokopane police station
• Remaining in Limpopo unless authorised by the investigating officer
• Surrendering his passport

Mashiane abandoned his bail application. Maponya’s matter was postponed to September 17 for a formal bail application, while Bopape is expected back in court on September 14 for his formal bail application.

The investigation is continuing.