By Eleanor Quinta – DA Councillor Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality
Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Eleanor Quinta and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Tlalane Motaung
The DA commends the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Phuthaditjhaba for their swift action in arresting suspects connected to the tragic double murder of two dedicated police officers in Phuthaditjhaba.
Constable Sipho Mohapi and Constable Gedione Motloung were responding to a house robbery in Phuthaditjhaba on 4 January 2025 when they were tragically shot and killed. A Lesotho national was apprehended on 15 January 2025 while attempting to flee to Lesotho.
A second suspect, a South African national, was arrested on 16 January 2025. During their court appearance on 17 January, the suspects were charged with murder, attempted murder, and robbery. They were denied bail and will remain in custody awaiting trial. A third suspect has since been arrested, and the police have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests.
The DA calls on the SAPS to continue acting swiftly and decisively in addressing all incidents of violence in Maluti-a-Phofung, including the unresolved murders of the late Councillor Moshe Lefuma and his beloved mother, Mrs. Dinah Lefuma. Furthermore, the DA in Maluti-a-Phofung will persist in advocating for additional resources for SAPS to enhance critical police work and facilitate further arrests.