Sighting of Sakhile murder suspect breathes new life into manhunt
Mfanafuthi Kubheka is now believed to be working as a truck driver and has reportedly been operating in and around the Delmas area.
A tip-off to a local NPO has renewed the vigour to find Mfanafuthi Kubheka.
Kubheka is wanted in connection with the brutal murder of his wife, Tshepiso Mosia, on Christmas Day 2020 in Rooikopen, Standerton.
Kubheka is now believed to be working as a truck driver and has reportedly been operating in and around the Delmas area.
According to Pheello Mlotshwa of Team Ngenelela 8303, Mosia spent Christmas Day with Kubheka at their home, but after an argument, she went to her parents’ home for the night.
Her sister went out for the night, but Mosia stayed home alone.
The investigating officer, Detective Bafana Mkhabela, said the sister returned the following morning to find the front door forced open.
“She discovered Mosia in bed with her throat slit.”
Kubheka allegedly phoned one of Mosia’s relatives and confessed to the murder before disappearing without a trace. The case went cold for several years.
Recently, a tip-off to Team Ngenelela indicated that Kubheka may be working in the trucking industry and is frequently seen in Delmas.
Investigators believe he has altered his appearance. He is no longer clean-shaven and wears a full beard, making him harder to identify.
Police are appealing to the public and the trucking community for any information that could lead to his arrest.
“He could hide in plain sight behind the wheel of a truck,” said Mlotshwa.
Anyone with information should contact the nearest police station, Detective Mkhabela on 071 855 5967, or Team Ngenelela 8303 on 073 548 6043.
Reference: Sakhile case 107/12/2020.
Who is Team Ngenelela 8303?
Pheello Mlotshwa has been active in the community since 2016, extending help that ranges from locating missing people, assisting in labour issues, to fetching children who run off to initiation school without their parents’ consent.
He also helps to resolve domestic disputes, and during Covid-19, Mlotshwa assisted many people with food parcels.
He assists police in finding wanted suspects and correctional services in locating parole violators.
“The community gave the name Ngenelela to me. In English, it means ‘to interfere’. Whenever someone has a problem, they say Bizani u Pheello azo Ngenelela – call Pheello to interfere,” explained Mlotshwa.
He registered an NPO Team Ngenelela 8303 in 2023 and added a few people to work with.
“The number 8303 is my home address. I included it there because anytime someone with a problem asks where they can meet me, I will say, Come to house number 8303.”
