A 42-year-old suspect has been arrested a year after allegedly killing a man over an outstanding debt for a vehicle. The deceased, from Morwasetla village in Bolobedu, was found with a gunshot wound to the forehead on January 6, 2024. According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Stephen Thakeng, the victim had sold a Ford Ranger bakkie to the suspect but the remaining balance was unpaid. The suspect and the deceased were reportedly scheduled to meet on the day of the killing.
Following the discovery of the victim’s body, police opened a murder case and launched an investigation. Their efforts led to the suspect’s arrest on Saturday, January 4, 2025, during a coordinated operation involving various provincial units. The suspect is expected to appear in the Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court soon.
In a separate operation, two foreign nationals, aged 33 and 39, were arrested near Consort Mine in Barberton after being found in possession of explosives. During a routine vehicle checkpoint by members of Operation Vala Umgodi, a black BMW 1 Series was stopped and searched, revealing explosives, jackhammers, water boots, and R10,000 in cash. The suspects could not provide a satisfactory explanation for the items and were subsequently arrested.
One of the suspects was already out on bail for a pending charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm. Both individuals are scheduled to appear in Barberton Magistrate’s Court today.
Meanwhile, in Ermelo, a 41-year-old woman was arrested on Saturday after being found with a substantial quantity of drugs. Acting on intelligence from Operation Vala Umgodi, police executed a search warrant at a property linked to drug dealing. They discovered dagga, suspected mandrax, and cocaine worth approximately R15,000, along with R3,800 in cash. The woman has been charged with drug dealing and will face court proceedings soon.
