POLOKWANE – The alleged serial killer arrested for a series of murders whose victims were all women, is expected to appear in Seshego magistrate’s court on Monday 15 November 2021, facing charges of kidnapping, murder, rape, defeating the ends of justice and robbery.
The suspect aged 34, was initially arrested for possession of a suspected stolen cellphone which police later established through investigations that it belonged to a woman who was allegedly kidnapped in Lebowakgomo last month.
When the initial investigations pointed to the possible involvement of a serial killer whose modus operandi was to lure women and promise them employment, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe ordered that a team of investigators led by a senior officer be established to probe the disappearance of women in the Capricorn District.
The investigations soon led to the discoveries of seven bodies of women dumped at different locations in Seshego, Polokwane, Mankweng and Westenburg policing areas.
The following victims have been positively identified by their next of kin, but forensic investigations are already underway to conclusively determine if the bodies positively match those of the deceased:
(1) Sarah Moitswadi Mathiba aged 42 who was reportedly kidnapped at Lebowakgomo last month.
(2) 34 year-old Lesotho national, Moleboheng Mothibeli, who was reported missing in Polokwane during October 2021?
(3) Eva Khomotso Makhura aged 41 who was reported missing at Seshego last month.
(4) Mpho Sanah Sinyatsi aged 34, who was reported missing last month from Luthuli Park Extension 9L under Seshego policing area.
(5) Andrea Cholo aged 25, reported kidnapped at Seshego during September 2021.
(6) Chisimango Gumbo aged 48, a foreign national who was reported missing at Seshego during August 2021.
(7) Jane Letswalo aged 42 whose body was found next to Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane during August 2021.
“As we are vigorously continuing to fight crimes of Gender Based Violence in all corners of our Province, the arrest of this suspect will strengthen our resolve to defeat this scourge,”said Lieutenant General Hadebe. “The work of the investigating team is highly commendable and will send a clear message to criminals that the police are more than determined to hunt down all perpetrators of Gender Based Violence and Femicide.” Concluded Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
Police investigations are continuing to determine if the suspect could possibly be linked with other cases. We are appealing to anyone who might have a family member missing around Seshego, Mankweng, Lebowakgomo, Polokwane and surrounding areas to contact the investigating officer Warrant Officer Joel Seroka on 083 1010 499 or 0799943353, crime stop number 0860010111or the nearest police station or MySAPSApp.
Police investigations are continuing.
Source: South African Police Service