Thabo Molobela, a 35-year-old security guard, was apprehended by police after he allegedly killed two family members and shot six others in Limpopo, South Africa.
On Thursday, September 14, 2023, the suspect was taken into custody in Santeng hamlet, outside of Sekororo in Limpopo.
According to accounts, the security guard’s wife and he were having marital issues that persisted until he allegedly turned to shooting her, their child, her sister, and her cousin.
On August 19, 2023, at around 19:00, these family members were preparing to leave Makgophong hamlet in Magatle when the terrible occurrence occurred while they were in a car.
Unfortunately, the wife’s cousin and sister passed away from their wounds, while she and her infant son were in serious condition.
Adelaide Mapulane, 29, a sister, and Reneilwe Phogole, 39, a cousin, were the two people that passed away.
On that fateful day, the couple is said to have met to try to resolve their concerns in the same village (Makgophong), but the suspect afterwards attacked the family.
A lead-following intelligence-led operation was carried out early on September 14, 2023, by members of the Provincial Tracking Team, Provincial Murder and Robbery, and Magatle Detectives in collaboration with Private Securities and Farm Watch.
The security guard was located at Hoedspruit, outside of Sekororo, in the Santeng settlement. He allegedly shot himself in an attempt to commit suicide before police came, but they were able to disarm him.
He was soon taken to the neighbourhood hospital for treatment. He has now been discharged and is being held in jail.
The operative team that located and apprehended the suspect has been praised by Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo.
“We commend the members for arresting the suspect, which brings us closer to justice for the victims. Let’s continue to open up when experiencing marital issues by consulting with professionals for help,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
The suspect will be charged with two counts of murder and four counts of attempted murder when he next appears before the Magatle Magistrate’s Court.
